Filenews 29 July 2023 - by Angelos Nicolaou
For years we have been hearing that the issue of building stray animal shelters as temporary shelters for stray dogs is in the works or even in the final stretch.
After today's report by "F", we are sure that we will hear the same from the lips of those responsible. What we expect, however, is for the announcements to finally become reality, since with the protection of stray dogs, public health and safety are in much better condition.
Unfortunately, today things remain tragic despite timeless announcements, with the result that dog control has escaped, abandonments have taken off, citizens have risen up and are indignant, but the implementation of the legislation is suffering.
The Federation of Animal Welfare Organizations Voice for the Animals of Cyprus... has been shouting since 2008 on the issue of stray dog detention facilities and the creation of regional detention facilities. And although the foundations have been laid in recent years, despite all efforts, little has been done.
The previous administration had approved an amount of €750,000 for the three-year period 2020-2023 for the creation of regional detention facilities for stray dogs. Later, for the implementation of the Plan, the total expenditure amounted to €1,500,000 for the period 2022-2024. The plan provides for the operation of six shelters that will receive support of €250,000 each. Now, a new Plan is being prepared for the three-year period 2023 – 2025, provided that things did not go as expected. The aim is for shelters to become models in terms of their operation and infrastructure, with emphasis on promoting animal adoption, while their minimum capacity will allow for the effective management of stray animals at regional level.
The aim of the plan is the creation of six regional detention facilities for stray dogs with a special plan to strengthen local authorities. It should be noted that the proposal to finance the creation of detention facilities for strays was put on the table by "Foni" in 2008!. No local authority to date has been active in proceeding with their construction, only inventing ways to evade their responsibilities. The only town halls that have been sensitized for some years and created a proper place of detention for stray dogs are the municipalities of greater Nicosia. In fact, the space is managed by an animal welfare organization.
According to the president of the "Voice", Mary Chrysochou-Anastasis, all other municipalities and communities are unsuitable, do not comply with the existing regulations and many times complaints come to light. "Animals are neglected and abused without unfortunately there being any control by the competent authority and no punishment for anyone. All offenses are overlooked and life goes on. Simply indifference by the competent authorities who are called upon to implement the legislation for the protection and welfare of animals," he said.
According to Ms. Chrysochou-Anastasis, there are too many cases of animal abuse in stray detention facilities that were covered up. "The only case that, as far as we know, went to court was the Mosfiloti case which we insisted on and went to court," he said.
It is noted that the president of "Foni" sent a letter to President Christodoulides, telling him the problems that exist and calling on him to discuss the issue in the Council of Ministers and take the necessary measures to proceed with the construction of the six regional detention facilities by the state, to alleviate the very high pressure of private dog shelters, which have now buckled from the huge weight of stray dogs. It is emphasized that these shelters do not provide the inhumane solution of euthanasia of abandoned dogs. According to Ms. Anastasis, this "privilege" is held by most local authorities and instead of exercising the required control over dogs, they prefer euthanasia. In addition, dog adoptions have plummeted, so shelters are not emptied to pick up more abandoned dogs.
Furthermore, the president of the "Voice" notes that the issue could be resolved with the contribution of the Ministers of Interior and Agriculture. "We are ready to take part in a meeting of the two ministers in which all the problems will be listed. The main thing is dog control, which has now escaped and abandonments have taken off," he notes.
One shelter in Nicosia, the rest pending
In the context of strengthening local authorities for the creation of regional temporary shelters for stray dogs, so far a shelter has been operating in the area of Kokkinotrimithia by the Municipalities of Nicosia, Strovolos, Aglantzia, Engomi, Agios Dometios and Lakatamia, named Temporary Storage Area for Stray Dogs of the Municipalities of Greater Nicosia. According to information provided to "Foni" by the Veterinary Services, the Nicosia Municipalities proceeded with the preparation of new architectural plans, pending the lease by the Land Registry Department of a piece of state land adjacent to their existing regional refuge, so that after obtaining planning permission for additions related to the expansion and upgrading of the refuge, they can proceed with the submission of an application for sponsorship.
Also, a decision was taken to lease state land in Armenochori, Limassol, to the Consortium of the Municipalities of Greater Limassol (Municipal Councils of Limassol, Agios Athanasios, Mesa Geitonia, Kato Polemidia and Germasogeia), for the construction and operation of temporary storage facilities for stray dogs for the needs of the wider urban area of Limassol. A relevant application was submitted to the Veterinary Services, but did not proceed once some deficiencies were identified and therefore it was decided that the evaluation of the application will remain pending in order to give the required time to the consortium to take the necessary actions and submit a revised application within this year.
A decision of the Council of Ministers was also taken for the lease of state land in the community of Klavdia in the municipalities of Larnaka district. The municipalities have prepared architectural plans. The municipalities have submitted an application to the Land Registry and are awaiting the issuance of a permit to ensure access. They will then submit an application to the Department of Town Planning to obtain the relevant planning permit. The municipalities and communities of Pafos are also taking the necessary steps for the submission of applications.
It is noted that the operation of temporary storage facilities for stray dogs is an obligation of the local government, in accordance with the Dogs Law of the Ministry of Interior. According to available data from the Veterinary Services, out of all municipalities and communities in the areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, only 25 local authorities maintain such premises, while some authorities resort to purchasing services from private premises for the guarding of stray dogs in their region.
INTERVENTION
What if we run out of crazy?
All animal welfare organizations are on the verge of collapse due to the huge number of abandoned dogs, the lack of detention facilities by local authorities and the lack of control of dogs by the competent authorities. For years, everything has been on autopilot waiting for animal welfare organizations and animal lovers to pull the snake out of the hole. The work of local authorities and the government is done by volunteers who have a special love for stray animals. Volunteers who turn around and feed the strays, take care of them and house them themselves. Volunteers who lose their mental health from what they see every day. Volunteers who assume the responsibilities of the state. Volunteers crazy looking for animal rights in a society that respects nothing.
