Filenews 20 March 2021 - by Michalis Hatzivasilis
Following the passage of the bill establishing an Animal Police, the Ministry of Justice is studying, together with the Police and Veterinary Services, the modernisation and increase of penalties for the mistreatment, abuse and torture of animals.
At the same time, a protocol for investigating complaints and complaints on animal welfare issues, not just their abuse, is in the final stage. The implementation of the protocol is expected to significantly improve the procedures for handling animal neglect/abuse cases and will be an important tool towards strengthening animal protection in our country. According to the Ministry of Justice, the protocol is signed by all the relevant departments, i.e. the Ministry of Agriculture, the Veterinary Services and the Police. Its signature and implementation is expected within the next few months.
Under the new law, the responsibility of the Animal Police will be to investigate cases of animal abuse and mistreatment in Cyprus. Its members will receive at the time of their appointment from the Chief of Police and then at regular intervals, appropriate and specific training in investigating cases of animal abuse and abuse and will cooperate with the Provincial Animal Welfare Commissions and Community Policing.
According to the amendments passed by the House, the following will apply:
-The Animal Police will have the power to investigate any violation of the provisions of the Animal Protection and Welfare Act and the Dog Act, rather than being limited, as proposed, to investigating only certain very serious offences provided for in those laws.
-The training of the members of the Animal Police will be carried out in cooperation with the Veterinary Services, which as the most competent Authority for the implementation of the Animal Protection and Welfare Act, possess both the know-how and experience of handling cases of animal abuse and protection, as well as the implementation of the relevant legislation.
-The training of the members of the Community Police will be carried out in cooperation with the Veterinary Services, which possess both the know-how and experience of handling cases of animal abuse and protection, as well as the implementation of the relevant legislation.
Meanwhile, the Movement of Ecologists – Citizen Cooperation says it has fought for many years to create a real "Animal Police". In 2012, says the Movement, on our proposal for a law passed by the House legislation that gives the right to the Chief of Police to appoint special police officers, with special qualifications and knowledge (perhaps members of animal welfare organizations) to implement his provisions on animal welfare and the dog law. Unfortunately, in the eight years that have elapsed, this provision of the law has not been exploited. "We believe that by creating a real 'Animal Police', the Police will finally be able to manage the particular problems arising from inadequate dog care and training, but also to intervene in a timely manner when issues of violation of animal welfare arise, in order to prevent the worst for both animals and humans."
