Filenews 20 February 2025 - by Angelos Nicolaou
Water tanks in the countryside, whether for irrigation or other purposes, as well as sewage treatment plants, are dangerous places for animals in all regions of the world, with Cyprus being no exception. Often, animals, in search of water, end up trapped in these tanks. With no possibility of escape, they experience a slow and torturous death. Especially dangerous are tanks with membranes, as their slippery surface makes escape difficult or impossible.
To prevent these incidents, it is necessary to install fences around the tanks, which must be regularly maintained. However, even in the presence of fences, animals often find a way to approach reservoirs. Thus, the construction of escape ramps is necessary to increase the chances of survival of animals.
By order of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Maria Panayiotou, the Water Development Department (WDD) will proceed with inspections of the fences of the reservoirs and will undertake their repair where necessary. In addition, for the new artificial lakes under the responsibility of the WDD, special conditions will be established in the plans, in order to ensure that escape routes are available for animals that may be trapped.
At the same time, the Department of Environment will incorporate in the environmental terms it issues, the requirement to adapt the final design of the projects to include measures to facilitate the escape of animals.
In the meantime, the Ministry is calling on owners of small private tanks to take measures to minimize or completely eliminate the risk to animals. In this context, it is recommended to fence the tanks to prevent access by animals and humans, the systematic maintenance of fences to maintain their effectiveness and the construction of escape ramps, which will allow animals to be safely removed in case they are trapped.
The importance of building escape ramps
The construction of escape ramps in water tanks is a critical measure to protect trapped animals that usually swim around the perimeter of the reservoir, looking for a way out. A ramp can provide the right way out, increasing the chances of survival. For the construction of the ramp it is proposed to use a water-resistant metal mesh to create a stable surface, durable wood for the structure of the ramp and a plastic pipe filled with aggregates to create weight at the base of the ramp. The width of the ramp should not be less than one meter to allow the safe exit of the animal. The length of the ramp must extend to the bottom of the tank to allow access regardless of water level. The ramp must be firmly fixed to the side wall of the tank so that animals do not get trapped behind it. The slope of the ramp should be around 45 degrees, although it can be adjusted depending on the shape of the walls of the tank. In large tanks, the installation of ramps should be done every 10-15 meters, while in smaller tanks 1-2 ramps are enough. Regular maintenance of the ramp and removal of materials that may make it slippery is essential to ensure its effectiveness. Regular checking of the condition of the ramp ensures its proper operation.
Moves in the right direction
The implementation of these practices is an important step in protecting animals, reducing unjustified incidents of death and enhancing respect for animals and the environment. The culture of a people is evident from the way it treats its animals and its progress is proportional to the respect it shows for them. The Ministry of Agriculture is moving in the right direction on this issue.
