The data regarding animal abuse and mistreatment in Cyprus remain worrying. Despite constant complaints and appeals from animal welfare organizations, the implementation of the legislation remains incomplete, with volunteers being asked to take over the entire protection of animals.
At the same time, animal welfare organizations complain of indifference and inaction by the competent authorities, stressing that "the complaints are many, but absolutely nothing is done".
Hundreds of incidents of abuse
According to data obtained by Filenews, from 2021 to the beginning of October 2025, a total of 286 incidents of animal abuse or mistreatment were recorded.
Specifically, in 2021 there were 66 incidents, in 2022 62, in 2023 76, in 2024 59 cases of abuse, while so far in 2025 the cases have reached 23.
In particular, within the above period of time, 18 offenses were recorded for harming animals, 46 cases for administering poison, 11 cases for roaming an animal in a situation of horrible death, 4 cases for killing an animal for entertainment purposes or as a training target, 1 case for using an animal in exhibitions and advertisements where pain, suffering or injury is caused, 3 cases of animal torture, as well as 203 charges for other offenses arising from the Protection and Welfare of Animals Law.
"There are many complaints, but absolutely nothing is done"
The president of the non-profit organization Simba Animal Aid, Mrs. Natasa Michailidou, spoke to Filenews about the problems faced by animal welfare organizations, but also about the indifference of the competent authorities to serious issues related to animal welfare.
Initially, he stated that the legislation passed in Cyprus for the protection and welfare of animals is not being implemented. "I have an animal welfare organization and for years I have sent dozens of letters and complaints without any response. Only once was a dog confiscated in Latsi," he said.
He added that he never managed to get a dog after a seizure. "They are just making a remark to the owner. There are many complaints, but absolutely nothing is happening."
He then referred to the changes promoted by the Parliament in the legislation, noting that the proposal for the specifications of the cages was not accepted. "They always find an excuse that animal welfare companies do not agree. They did not proceed because of the hunters," he said.
Ms. Michailidou explained that there are animal welfare organizations that do not agree with the specifications of the cages, because they essentially accept the capture of animals. "Some other animal welfare organizations, such as ours, say that we do not agree with the capture of animals in cages, but because Cyprus is full of cages, we accepted the specifications such as dimensions, cleanliness and more," he said.
He added that the proposal was not approved, as many hunters would be forced to rebuild their cages.
"They put them in the warehouses and euthanize them"
The president of Simba Animal Aid also referred to the issue of animal euthanasia. As he explained, within 15 days the municipalities are entitled to euthanize healthy animals if no owner is found.
"Apart from the large municipalities, no one else has temporary custody cages, as provided by law. They put them in the warehouses and euthanize them," he stressed.
He added that the chairman of the Environment Committee, Charalambos Theopemptou, submitted a proposal to stop euthanasia, however the municipalities did not accept it.
"Nothing is going to change unless European legislation is implemented," he underlined.
In addition, he said that, according to estimates, there are about 250,000 stray dogs in Cyprus, while euthanasia reaches 40,000–50,000 per year. "The competent authorities do not even know how many shelters there are in Cyprus," he noted.
Finally, he said that animal euthanasia is not the solution. Municipalities, as stipulated by law, should have temporary storage areas and cooperate with animal welfare organizations. "They have left all the responsibility to the volunteers," he concluded.
The Parliamentary Committee on the Environment aims to pass the Dogs Law before Christmas. The chairman of the Environment Committee, Charalambos Theopemptou, speaking to Filenews, said that the amendment of the bill has been completed.
"Procedurally, the bill will be put back for discussion and positions in the Committee. Subsequently, the MPs will have two weeks for any comments, and then it will be taken to the Plenary," he noted.
Asked about the issue of animal euthanasia, he clarified that the law will not include a provision for euthanasia, a practice followed by some municipalities within 15 days of the detection of a stray dog.
Regarding the specifications of the cages, he said that they are regulated through a regulation and that he expects the government to submit it to the Parliament for a vote.
