Newsroom
In a surprising move, Cyprus' Parliament has voted to reject the "Animal Protection and Welfare (Keeping Dogs for Private Non-Commercial Purposes) Regulations of 2022." These regulations aimed to set basic standards for the living conditions of dogs kept in private homes, ensuring their well-being.
Out of 42 MPs present during the vote, only three voted in favor, 21 voted against, and two abstained. The rejection of these regulations came after a lengthy debate, with Speaker of the House Zacharias Koulias questioning the submission of the bill and the implications of its failure. He noted that the decision was made after much deliberation but offered little in terms of a clear path forward for improving animal welfare.
The decision has not been well received by animal rights advocates. The Cyprus Party for the Animals condemned the vote, calling it a "double-edged sword." While the party disagrees with the proposed minimum dimensions for dog cages outlined in the regulations, they argue that rejecting the bill will only maintain the status quo, where poorly kept dogs are still a widespread issue.
"The rejection of these regulations means that we will continue to see dogs kept in inadequate cages, often in fields or along riverbanks," the party said in a statement. "While we may not agree with all aspects of the regulations, it’s clear that their rejection leaves things as they are, which is unacceptable."
The party also expressed concern about the broader implications for future legislation aimed at improving animal welfare. They pointed to the recent plenary session where, despite the crucial nature of the vote, only 42 MPs showed up, signaling a lack of commitment to the cause.
The Party for the Animals warned that if similar behavior continues, upcoming votes on animal welfare laws, including amendments to the Dog Law 184(Ι)2002, may see similar outcomes, where the protection of animals continues to take a backseat.
In light of the rejection, the Cyprus Party for the Animals has urged citizens to stop turning a blind eye to the realities of animal welfare. They emphasized that only a dedicated, animal-friendly political party could bring about meaningful change.
"We need to make sure that in the 2026 elections, we elect leaders who will genuinely defend the rights of animals, no matter the political pressures or short-term gains," the party concluded.
