Newsroom
A video that quickly spread online has sparked public outrage and a police investigation after a turtle was found dead in a coastal area of Paphos, with authorities probing possible violations of animal protection laws.
Police said four people have been arrested as part of the investigation, which is being handled by the Animal Police. Officers are still working to determine how the turtle died and whether it was abused.
But what has fueled public anger is footage that appears to show the turtle’s flippers moving at the moment right before it is slammed to the ground, raising troubling questions over whether the animal was, in fact, already dead, as claimed.*Video from pafoslive
The case came to light shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, when police received a complaint about the mistreatment of a turtle by several individuals in a coastal area of the Paphos district. Officers rushed to the scene and began collecting evidence.
During follow-up checks in the wider area, police identified the suspected individuals and later located them at their workplace. The dead turtle was also found there and taken by authorities for further examination.
A video of the incident, first published by local outlet PafosLive, triggered strong reactions online, with many calling for accountability and stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws.
In a statement, the Chloraka Community Council confirmed that the individuals seen in the video were its employees but stressed that the incident does not reflect the council’s values or standard practices.
“We were saddened to watch the video that came to light,” the council said, adding that such behavior is not acceptable and does not align with its principles or way of operating.
The council explained that its workers had gone to the area believing the turtle was already dead, as part of routine procedures to remove deceased animals from public spaces. Still, it said it will wait for the outcome of the police investigation and scientific examinations before taking further action.
Once the findings are complete, the council said it will examine whether disciplinary measures are warranted.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
