Newsroom
A 37-year-old man was sentenced Monday to 14 months in prison after the Famagusta District Court found him guilty of animal mistreatment and illegal residence in the Republic of Cyprus, a case that began with a gruesome discovery in a parking lot.
Police said the incident came to light on May 7, 2025, when officers received information about a dismembered animal found behind an apartment building in Famagusta. When officers arrived, they located the remains along with tools believed to have been used in the act.
Veterinary Services later identified the animal as a kangaroo, an extremely rare and disturbing find in Cyprus.
During the investigation, authorities also determined the man had been living illegally in the Republic after his asylum request was rejected in 2022.
Police described the court’s prison sentence as a strong signal that animal abuse will not be tolerated. “The imposition of a prison sentence for a case of animal abuse is a clear and resounding message that such acts are treated with the utmost seriousness and that the legislation is strictly applied, without any tolerance,” the Police Communications Branch said.
The force added that the Animal Police, working closely with Veterinary Services, continue to investigate every complaint involving abuse, illegal possession, or any form of violence against animals. Protecting animals, they stressed, is part of public safety and reflects the values of Cypriot society.
“No crime against animals is negligible, and none goes unpunished,” police said, urging the public to report suspicious activity and help prevent similar incidents.
