Newsroom / CNA
The Office of the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare has called on the Game and Wildlife Service to immediately revoke the Decree concerning the 13 protected areas within the Natura 2000 Network, which relates to the training of hunting dogs.
"The fact that, according to a Decree published on March 7, 2025, in the Official Gazette of the Republic by the Game and Wildlife Service, training/exercising hunting dogs is allowed from March 7 to July 14, 2025, in 13 areas within the European network of protected Natura 2000 areas, raises significant concerns for us," the office stated.
It adds that, based on three additional Decrees, the training/exercising of hunting dogs is also allowed in 30 additional areas outside the Natura 2000 Network.
The Commissioner reminded that the Natura 2000 areas are Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA), designated for the protection of habitats, wild flora and fauna, and for the conservation of wild birds. The breeding season for birdlife lasts from mid-February to mid-June, while the breeding season for sea turtles in Cyprus extends from May 1 to October 31.
"The Decrees issued by the Game and Wildlife Service cover periods during which, according to European Directives and Cyprus legislation, the state has an increased obligation to ensure the effective protection of wild birds and habitats within the Natura 2000 network. Specifically, these Decrees also affect 16 protected areas within the Natura 2000 Network," the office explained.
The office expressed particular concern that the training and exercising of hunting dogs, according to the issued Decrees, is allowed in areas of the Akamas, even though Lara and Toxeftra beaches are excluded. "We believe it is extremely difficult to ensure that dogs are confined to the designated areas where their training/exercising is permitted, while at the same time, the protection of wild birds and other species that breed in Akamas is required," the office said.
At the same time, the office appealed to hunters to show environmental responsibility and consider the serious negative impacts that may arise on the wild bird population within the Natura 2000 network, especially during the critical breeding and nesting periods.
