Filenews 9 February 2026
The picture recorded today in the field of animal welfare highlights serious and long-standing problems such as the large number of cats and non-owned dogs, due to uncontrolled reproduction, low rates of marking and registration in the national register, weaknesses in the timely implementation of legislation, increased phenomena of abandonment and abuse, as well as deficiencies in hospitality infrastructure and public veterinary care, said Environment and Animal Welfare Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou.
According to an announcement by her office, Ms. Theodosiou was speaking at the social theater performance "Until I Stay", on Sunday in Larnaca.
As mentioned, the Commissioner also referred to a comprehensive Plan of Measures and Actions for the welfare of dogs and cats, prepared by her office and which has been submitted to the competent Ministries for examination (Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Interior and Justice).
The plan, according to Ms. Theodosiou, includes specific and applicable interventions, such as mass sterilization and labelling campaigns, strengthening and licensing of private shelters, as well as the promotion of the creation of regional temporary storage facilities by the Local Government Authorities.
He also added that emphasis is placed on the enhanced enforcement of legislation and sanctions, the creation of public veterinary care structures and the establishment of municipal veterinary clinics, both for stray animals and for guardian animals belonging to economically vulnerable groups.
Of particular importance is also the strengthening of the existing veterinary services, the Animal Police and other relevant structures of the Local Government Authorities and volunteers, as well as the creation of a state coordination and supervision mechanism, the education of the public on issues of responsible ownership and respect for animals, and the creation of an electronic platform for registering complaints, monitoring the processing of abuse cases and other related issues, he added.
He also noted that in this effort, the role of local government is decisive and that municipalities are at the forefront and can contribute substantially to the prevention, management and improvement of animal welfare conditions.
At the same time, he said, continuing, we are in a critical period, optimistically awaiting the adoption of the amending Dog Law, which primarily concerns local government and aims to provide more effective tools to all stakeholders.
"We aspire that its passage will strengthen the institutional framework, through amendments aimed at improving the regulations on dog ownership, protection and welfare. Among other things, it is planned to set a limit on the number of pets per household, with exceptions for those who already have more, as well as the imposition of fines, fines and administrative sanctions for violations", the Commissioner clarified.
Most importantly, the law provides for the removal of euthanasia, with the exception of extreme cases, when an animal has been proven to be a serious risk or suffers from chronic and irreversible diseases, he said.
The net proceeds from the performances are allocated exclusively to the medical care of stray animals.
CNA
