Filenews 22 November 2021 - by Despina Psilou
Groups of stray cats are exposed on the roads of Cyprus, with their population estimated to be over one million. These four-legged animals are found in large populations on the coastal fronts where there are hotels and restaurants, in cemeteries, camps, schools, neighbourhoods. The problem of strays has grown and although it is recognised by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Veterinary Services and animal welfare organizations, the treatment through sterilization remains limited. In fact, only 1,500 sterilizations are carried out by the state annually, for which a budget of €75,000 is currently available. However, due to the situation, a citizens' initiative collects online signatures with a request that the state's budget amount to €500,000. To date, more than 27,000 signatures have been collected.
The indignation of animal welfare organizations and volunteers was expressed to "F" by the president of the Association of Protections and Welfare of Cats and vice president of the Federation Voice for Animals of Cyprus, Dinos Agiomamitis, stating that there are thoughts for protests and mobilizations. As he said, there is irritation about the limited sterilizations and at the same time anger at the incidents of abuse and poisoning that become known every day. "Too often we receive calls for animal abuse and the destruction of feeding grounds. Some go and throw away the food and water of the strays. There is provision in the legislation and they must be punished," he said, adding that the number of 16 members currently staffing the Police for Animals is very limited.
"Our estimates think the population of stray cats in Cyprus exceeds one million. They are unofficial calculations, which we arrive at through care. For example, I feed 200 cats a day. At the same time, I know what prevails in other neighbourhoods, in cemeteries, schools, parks, camps. There are cats everywhere." After all, Mr. Agiomamitis said, cats are highly productive. From a couple of adult cats who will live seven years can emerge 420,000 offspring, as they give birth themselves, their children, the children of their children etc, three times a year. But of these cats a large part will not survive.
"As a liaison we run programs to create special feeding and care facilities. We make cathouses and feeders, as an attempt to be controlled and protected. We always combine this with total sterilization programs. It is currently underway in a camp in Athalassa and in schools in Anthoupoli. We try to control the presence of strays in free spaces. In addition, if we identify small ones that are domesticated and we can catch them, we promote them for adoption. Where there are sick cats we take care of them, as do the populations of the colonies."
However, he said, in order to control populations and reduce the problem, sterilizations should be done. "There are good practices, which should be adopted and implemented. We propose to create a plan and a management committee that controls, monitors the processes and needs that arise," he said, adding that a €500,000 budget could provide a solution. "As an organization, we suggested that the state bear the cost of a mass sterilization over five to seven years, doubling the amount approved by municipalities and community councils."
Numerous colonies on the coastal fronts
The existence of areas that function as hearths, is recorded according to information provided by "F" by the Veterinary Services. These are the coastal fronts that have hotels and restaurants. Cemeteries, to which several go and leave small kittens. The mosque of Hala Sultan Takke and the old Nicosia.
According to the estimates of the Veterinary Services, stray cats are estimated at one million. However, it was mentioned, the numbers are unofficial as there is no relevant data. Regarding the program that is being implemented by the state, it was noted that this concerns the annual plan with a budget of €75,000, with the amount being shared equally in the provinces. The amount corresponds to approximately 1,500 sterilizations per year throughout Cyprus. At the same time, the state provides indirectly for sterilizations from the grants it offers to the beneficiary animal welfare organizations, which range between €3,000 and €7,000. However, this money also relates to their operating expenses, food and animal care.
The problem of stray animals is recognized, according to information by "F", and the ministry of agriculture. In fact, it is intended to carry out an evaluation on the effectiveness of the sterilization program, which has a budget of €75,000. The purpose of the evaluation is also to create a database on stray populations and sterilizations.
Few sterilizations carried out annually by the state
More than 27,000 signatures on an online petition, a request for which is to increase the fund for sterilizations from €75,000 to €500,000
In the realization that there are few sterilizations carried out annually by the state, in proportion to the problem, Mr. Agiomamitis mentioned the petition. He found, in fact, that for 2021, the sterilization initiatives undertaken by the municipalities have not been carried out so far. "We are carrying out our own sterilization programs, which have various aspects. a) We offer two free sterilizations per year to recipients of public assistance, where we undertake the expenses. b) We cooperate with veterinarians – volunteers, who have agreed that they will perform sterilizations in strays for €40 for female cats and €25 for male cats, as long as at least three animals are neutered in a short period of time.
There is, as he noted, the Pancyprian program of free sterilization, the amount of which amounts to €75,000, i.e. €15,000 per province. "This is implemented through the provincial animal welfare committees and the Veterinary Services. Vouchers are provided to local authorities and animal welfare organizations that will express interest". However, as he notes, due to the small amount of money, they account for around eight to ten vouchers per municipality and organization in Nicosia. "It's once a year and it's a very small contribution, as around 1,400 sterilizations are made."
In addition, he said, efforts were made and municipalities began to carry out their own sterilization programs. For example, he said, the Nicosia municipality was the first to be interested in implementing it 10 years ago, which raised the amount it has to €8,000. "The organization, recognizing the difficulties of the municipalities, has undertaken to help by mediating, transporting the animals for the sake of the municipalities or even undertaking the process, for which it is paid after the submission of invoices by the municipality." However, underlines Mr. Agiomamitis, this year the sterile programs of the municipalities have been suspended. "Through a letter to the agriculture minister we ask that he intervene, that clarifications be given and that the municipalities be able to proceed with the sterilizations," he said.
In all our sterilization programs, he clarified finally, it has been decided to mark the cat's left ear, so that someone does not try to neuter it a second time.
