Filenews 5 November 2024 - by Angelos Nicolaou
A well-established animal trafficking ring was recently dismantled by the Veterinary Services, in cooperation with the Department of Customs, two years after complaints were made to them by animal welfare organizations.
According to information provided by "F", recently the Veterinary Services have proceeded with criminal prosecutions of those involved in the illegal import and sale of puppies transported from abroad, supposedly as pets.
In particular, it was found that citizens often travelled to other states, each time transporting five dogs upon their return. Initially, these persons presented the dogs as their own, but after their arrival in Cyprus they sold them to interested citizens. The Veterinary Services had informed the Department of Customs and Excise about this phenomenon, to which relevant information was forwarded with the details of persons involved in illegal trade.
The Veterinary Services have asked the Department of Customs and Excise that in these cases, its officers notify the Larnaca District Veterinary Office or the equivalent of Pafos or even the veterinary officers who are on duty to wait, for the appropriate reasons.
Following the cooperation of the two departments/services, the District Veterinary Offices of Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaka have made complaints, to the respective police directorates, of persons who have been found to be exercising this behaviour and activity outside the framework of legality. The investigation of the cases has begun by the competent police stations and officers of the Veterinary Services have already testified.
"F" raised the issue of the illegal trade ring of puppies sold for €2,000 each in April 2022, following a complaint by animal welfare organizations, in particular the Voice for the Animals of Cyprus, to the Minister of Agriculture.
It was found that traffickers were exploiting a hole in the legislation and the president of the Voice for the Animals of Cyprus, Mary Chrysochou-Anastasis, wrote to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment informing him about the illegal imports of puppies for resale. It is noted that on 10/3/2022, the same day the letter was received at the Ministry of Agriculture, instructions were given by the Minister to the Director of Veterinary Services for immediate investigation, actions and information.
According to Anastasis, traders are essentially taking advantage of the provision of Article 5(1) of Regulation 576 of 2013, which concerns non-commercial movements of pets and allows the movement of up to five animals.
A relevant complaint had also been submitted to the Commissioner for Administration, who last April proceeded with a report on how to handle the complaint about the possible exploitation of pets for commercial purposes. The report included a recommendation to the Director of Veterinary Services to conduct a thorough investigation of the complaints. The Director's reply was communicated to the Commissioner for Administration on 16 September 2024, who in turn informed Ms Anastasis on 2 October 2024. According to the Commissioner for Administration, compliance of the Veterinary Services with the suggestions and suggestions referred to in the relevant report is demonstrated.
