Newsroom
The way a society treats its animals reflects its level of civilization, stated DISY MP Savia Orphanidou after a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment.
One of the main issues discussed in the session was the proposal to strengthen penalties for acts of animal cruelty and intentional harm. The discussion centered around a legislative initiative put forward by Orphanidou on behalf of the Democratic Rally’s parliamentary group.
Orphanidou stressed the urgent need for action, saying, “A nation’s values are evident in how it treats its animals. Recent cases of abuse have sparked widespread indignation, as such behavior is unacceptable.”
She explained that her proposal seeks to amend the Law on the Protection and Welfare of Animals to impose stricter penalties for those who mistreat animals. “This matter was thoroughly examined in today’s committee session,” she noted.
However, she emphasized that simply toughening penalties is not enough—laws must also be properly enforced. “We call on the relevant authorities to take decisive action, ensuring that enforcement agencies, such as the Animal Police and Veterinary Services, have the necessary resources to address these cases effectively,” she added.
To support this effort, the committee has requested data on past convictions and penalties for animal abuse. Additionally, it plans to introduce the issue of enforcement as a formal agenda item for further discussion.
Orphanidou expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who have supported the initiative, stating, “We look forward to seeing this proposal brought to the Plenary for a vote. Our commitment remains strong in ensuring both the implementation of this law and the empowerment of enforcement bodies to uphold animal welfare.”
