in-cyprus 7 March 2025
Reports of animal poisonings across Cyprus have surged, with many involving pets falling victim to a banned pesticide being smuggled across the checkpoints, the Animal Party said on Friday.
The party expressed “particular concern” that methomyl, the active ingredient in pesticides such as Lannate, continues to circulate despite being withdrawn from approval under European Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009, which prohibits its use as a plant protection product.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing illegal imports from occupied areas into the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus, with now well-known consequences,” the Animal Party said in a statement. “Citizens consequently have access to this illegal active poison.”
The party warned that these toxic substances persist indefinitely in the environment, causing “serious effects throughout the food chain.”
The Animal Party called on police and customs authorities to intensify inspections and conduct thorough checks of all crossings at checkpoints, adding that they hope these illegal imports and their unlawful use will not lead to human casualties in addition to animal victims.
