Newsroom
Police in Paphos are looking into serious allegations that a private animal shelter unlawfully euthanised large numbers of dogs, following a formal complaint made public by a local municipal councillor.
Kyriakos Savva says his own inquiries led him to the case, which he later shared on social media. According to the complaint, dogs were allegedly put down on at least five separate dates between late January and mid-February 2026, specifically on 27 January, 1 February, 7 February, 10 February and 16 February.
Savva claims that the largest single incident occurred on 16 February, when 40 dogs were reportedly killed. He also states that one of the earlier incidents, on 1 February, was witnessed by an individual.
The complaint itself was reportedly submitted by a former shelter volunteer and delivered to Cyprus Police, the Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare, and various political and organised bodies.
The councillor says the allegations raise multiple concerns, including whether the animals met the legal criteria for euthanasia, namely being incurably ill or dangerous, whether a licensed veterinarian carried out the procedures, and whether all required legal protocols were observed.
He also questioned the shelter’s public image as a “no-kill” facility, noting reports that some of the alleged euthanasias may have taken place outside normal operating hours.
Assistant Police Director in Paphos, Michalis Nicolaou, confirmed that authorities have received the complaint and that the matter has been assigned to the police animal abuse unit for investigation.
Savva has urged police to move swiftly with a full criminal probe and called on Veterinary Services to provide prompt and transparent explanations. He also appealed to relevant authorities to safeguard the welfare of animals currently housed at the shelter.
At the same time, he encouraged members of the public to continue donating food, medical items and other assistance, stressing that the animals still rely on that support and that his concerns focus on accountability and transparency at the management level.
