Newsroom
The Ecologists Movement – Citizens’ Cooperation has publicly condemned what it describes as prolonged inaction by authorities in investigating a serious animal poisoning case in the Idalion area, raising concerns about animal welfare enforcement in Cyprus.
The case centres on the death of a family dog named Lilly, who died in August 2025 after allegedly ingesting poison while inside her owners’ yard. According to the Movement, nearly eight months on, the dog’s guardians have received no meaningful update from investigators regarding the progress or outcome of the case.
The incident is considered particularly alarming due to the reported placement of poison near the toys of a four-year-old child, suggesting a potential risk not only to animals but also to human life.
Reports indicate that a second dog died in similar circumstances during the same period. However, the animal was reportedly not subjected to a necropsy and instead was handed over to municipal authorities and disposed of in a well allegedly used for animal carcasses. Claims that the dog lacked a microchip have been disputed, with sources insisting the animal had proper identification.
The Ecologists Movement argues that such handling may violate existing animal welfare legislation, which does not distinguish between owned and stray animals when investigating abuse cases. “The animal should have been treated as critical evidence,” the group said.
The organisation also points to alleged procedural failures in the investigation, including failure to secure the scene, collect key evidence, and promptly obtain material from a suspect. Additionally, it claims that potentially important footage showing suspicious activity has not been adequately examined.
The investigation initially began at a local police station before being transferred to the Animal Police unit. However, the Movement says the case has since stalled, despite witness testimony and available evidence.
Frustration has grown among the dog’s owners, who have reportedly made repeated attempts to obtain information from authorities. Their efforts culminated in a formal letter sent on January 25, 2026, to the Chief of Police, with copies to the relevant ministry and other bodies. No response has yet been received.
Anthi Mouzouri, coordinator of the Movement’s Animal Action Team, described the situation as unacceptable. “It is inconceivable that in a European country such serious cases remain stagnant,” she said. “When will proper practices finally be implemented? When will we see an independent and adequately staffed Animal Police? Impunity leads to repeated offences.”
The Movement is calling for an immediate and comprehensive investigation, full transparency towards the affected family, accountability where responsibility is found, and structural reform of the Animal Police unit.
The case has also raised environmental concerns. Allegations that animal carcasses may have been disposed of in a well have prompted warnings about potential groundwater contamination, an issue the Movement says it intends to formally report.
