Filenews 22 November 2025
The comprehensive and final resolution of the issues concerning the welfare of companion animals requires the coordinated participation of all stakeholders, the Office of the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare states in a statement, on the occasion of the meeting in the Municipality of Ierokipia for the shelter in Paphos.
The meeting took place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in the Municipality of Ierokipia (Geroskipou) on the topic of finding a definitive solution to the issue of the ARC (Animal Rescue Cyprus) shelter, removing the existing illegality and ensuring the proper and safe management of the animals currently housed in it.
During yesterday's meeting, opinions were expressed by all those present. Yesterday's meeting ended with the expression of intention on the part of the Municipality of Ierokipia to take the initiative, in cooperation with private companies in the area to secure funds and funding from the state, in order to achieve the safe movement of animals from the area, it is added.
The Municipality, it is reported, prefers this option as an immediate solution to deal with the problem, over the proposal for the creation of a new shelter by the Association, even by securing a state piece of land, which it considers to be a time-consuming process that does not solve the problem at this stage. It is added that the Mayor of Ierokipia stated that it will be investigated whether there is interest from shelters controlled by the competent state Services, so that, with financial support, they can accommodate a number of animals in the shelter. At the same time, he asked to be sent a list of all the shelters operating in Cyprus, so that there can be immediate communication and, in cooperation with the competent state services, the animals can be transported safely.
The Mayor of Ierokipia agrees with the prospect of creating a regional shelter in Paphos and stated that he will contact the Municipality of Paphos to investigate the joint utilization of the state plot, which was selected as appropriate at a meeting, held in February 2025 in Paphos, on this issue, the announcement states. He stressed, however, it is added, that the promotion of the creation of a regional shelter requires the participation of other Municipalities for the Municipality of Ierokipia, given that its Municipality already has a temporary storage facility for stray dogs that serves the needs of its area of responsibility.
Finally, it is emphasized that the final resolution of all issues related to the welfare of companion animals requires the involvement of all parties (the central state, Local Government Authorities, animal welfare organizations and all citizens) and a holistic approach to all individual issues, such as the one reflected in the Action Plan prepared by the Commissioner's Office, and which has been before the competent Ministries since the beginning of October.
CNA
