Newsroom
Residents of a village in the Nicosia district are sounding the alarm after a citizen reported witnessing a suspicious spraying of grass, suspected to involve the toxic pesticide Lannate. This marks the latest in a series of pesticide-related incidents that have caused serious concerns about public safety, especially for pets and wildlife.
The Party for Animals received the complaint on Thursday and quickly alerted the authorities, suspecting that the chemical, potentially Lannate, or another powerful pesticide mixture, was being used recklessly. The pesticide in question has been linked to several tragic cases of animal poisonings, including the recent deaths of local dogs and cats.
According to a local agronomist in Nicosia, Lannate and other products containing the same active ingredient called Methomyl have been banned in Cyprus and the EU for years.
Lannate, a highly toxic pesticide, can be fatal if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin or eyes. Its deadly effects on animals and possibly humans have led the Party for Animals to issue an urgent plea for action, calling on the government to intervene and prevent further harm.
“We cannot stand by while animals continue to suffer,” said a representative from the Party for Animals. “It’s critical that the Ministry of Agriculture and the police take immediate action to investigate and stop the illegal or reckless use of such dangerous chemicals.”
The Party for Animals has requested the Chief of Police to intervene and has urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment to quickly inform both citizens and farmers about the potential dangers of using unregulated or illegal pesticides. Their concern is also echoed by reports suggesting that pesticides, including Lannate, are being smuggled into the free areas of Cyprus, bypassing customs checks at roadblocks.
This issue highlights a wider concern around pesticide misuse and the lack of oversight in some areas, where products are being used without proper regulations or consideration for the safety of the community and the environment.
As the investigation continues, the Party for Animals is calling for stricter enforcement of pesticide regulations and a swift response from both the government and relevant authorities to prevent further harm.
