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Outrage is growing in Paphos after a cat was found severely injured by a gunshot, a case animal welfare advocates say is yet another sign that cruelty toward animals on the island is no longer rare but recurring.
Animal rights groups are now calling for urgent action, warning that public patience is wearing thin as incidents continue despite strict laws meant to prevent them.
In a strongly worded statement, the Environmental Movement – Citizens’ Cooperation condemned what it described as a troubling rise in animal abuse cases, pointing to the latest incident in the village of Achelia as both shocking and sadly familiar.
The cat was discovered with a gunshot wound to its nose, an act activists say reflects a deeper problem involving violence against defenseless animals across the district.
“This is not an isolated incident,” the organization said, arguing that repeated cases suggest enforcement is failing to deter offenders, even though animal cruelty in Cyprus carries penalties including heavy fines and prison sentences.
Calls for answers and consequences
The group is demanding a full investigation, identification of those responsible, and stronger preventive measures to stop similar attacks.
Anthi Mouzouri, coordinator of the movement’s Animal Action Group, urged anyone with information to come forward, stressing that protecting animals is a collective responsibility, not just the job of activists.
At the same time, she questioned whether existing enforcement mechanisms are working as intended, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the Animal Police unit established to handle such cases.
According to Mouzouri, attempts to contact the service went unanswered, fueling fears that complaints may not always receive the attention they deserve.
Public frustration growing
For many advocates, the issue extends far beyond one injured animal. They warn that slow responses or a lack of visible progress risk discouraging citizens from reporting abuse altogether.
“When complaints appear to lead nowhere, people start believing there’s no point in speaking up,” the movement said, adding that public expectations have shifted from expressions of concern to tangible results.
The organization renewed calls for an independent animal police force, a specialized unit operating autonomously and focused exclusively on enforcing animal welfare laws.
A broader animal welfare debate
The incident comes amid heightened discussion around animal protection in Cyprus, following recent legislative efforts aimed at strengthening safeguards for pets and improving oversight of stray populations.
But activists argue legislation alone is not enough without consistent enforcement.
“The public doesn’t want promises,” the statement said. “They want action.”
Police have not yet announced any arrests or identified suspects in connection with the Achelia shooting.
