It may be that in many countries of the world, including EU countries, people do not live in the best conditions, but at least for cats and dogs, comfortable living is ensured by the year 2041 in all member states.
The "well-being" of the animals is achieved by a Regulation that came into force on August 30, 2026 and, among other things, provides that the owners of animal facilities "must ensure adequate food and water, a suitable and safe environment, proper temperature and ventilation, sufficient space and conditions that allow the animals to exhibit normal behaviour".
Of course, in addition to the owners of animal shelters, the "owners" of the animals themselves, it goes without saying that they will handle their animals with the appropriate affection and care.
As far as citizens are concerned, in addition to the other obligations they have towards animals, they will also be asked to apply chips to cats, which in Cyprus only applies to dogs.
Especially for the latter, as indicated by the former chairman of the parliamentary committee on the Environment, Charalambos Theopemptou, "the microchip is one of the most important changes, given that the Regulation introduces the gradual mandatory identification of dogs and cats with chips, as well as their registration in national databases. The purpose of creating databases for identified animals is to enhance their traceability and the ability to control their ownership."
For stray cats (which is particularly relevant to Cyprus, due to their large number), the Regulation specifically provides for the possibility of member states to allow a characteristic cut or notch at the tip of the ear for the marking of neutered cats in the context of "capture – neutering – reintegration" programmes.
The Regulation obliges member states to establish penalties for infringements, which must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Mr. Theopemptou indicates that the Regulation gives Cyprus the opportunity to combine the new European framework with a more comprehensive national strategy for the protection and responsible management of the island's particularly large cat population.
According to Mr. Theopemptou, at the heart of the Regulation (2026/1818) is the "welfare of the animal".
In this context, the abuse, cruel treatment and abandonment of animals by the institutions that have them under their responsibility are prohibited, which is also considered self-evident for those who have pets.
The rules for reproduction are also stricter since it is forbidden to take place between closely related animals, such as parent and offspring or siblings, with limited exceptions for special cases of keeping local breeds. Reproduction for the purpose of producing hybrids is also prohibited.
For cats, breeding is not allowed before the age of ten months. In addition, no more than three births are allowed within a two-year period, while after 3 births, a rest period of at least one year is required. A cat that has undergone two caesarean sections may not be used again for breeding.
As Mr. Theopemptou explains, "breeders, shops, shelters and other relevant facilities must notify the competent authorities of their activity, which they must register in a relevant register".
The Regulation covers the breeding, keeping, placing on the market, traceability and entry of dogs and cats into the EU.
In the Regulation, the definition of "placing on the market" is broad and, in addition to commercial sale, includes other forms of transfer of ownership or responsibility for an animal, even without monetary consideration, as well as its advertising for this purpose.
The aim is to establish common rules for the protection of animals
For living conditions, it specifies that the facilities must provide sufficient space and appropriate infrastructure for the animals to move, rest and exhibit normal behaviour.
For cats, hiding places, raised points and scratching posts are provided, among other things.
It is also strictly restricted to keeping animals in places or cages that impede their normal movement, with exceptions only for specific temporary needs, such as examinations, identification, grooming or medical treatment.
It is also important to prohibit painful operations for non-medical reasons such as cutting ears or tails, removing nails or fingers and vocal cord operations, unless there is a medical indication and the procedure is performed by a veterinarian with the required conditions of anaesthesia and analgesia.
For those who place animals on the market, the relevant obligations apply from 31/08/2030. For private owners of dogs and cats, they apply from 2036 onwards.
For online classifieds, it is stated that they should include a warning about the responsible ownership of an animal and the new owner should receive identification and registration details of the animal. From 2031 onwards, an additional unique verification code is provided, so that the interested party can electronically check the authenticity of the relevant data.
As Mr. Theopemptou indicates, the mandatory registration, the strengthening of traceability and the stricter control of breeding need to be part of a wider national policy that will include systematic programs for the sterilization and management of stray cats, the cooperation of the government, Local Authorities and volunteers.
The Regulation gives Cyprus the opportunity to combine the new European framework with a more comprehensive national strategy for the protection and responsible management of the island's particularly large cat population, adds Mr. Theopemptou.
The aim of the new framework is to establish common rules across Europe for the protection of animals, responsible breeding and the ability to trace their origin and ownership.
The Regulation obliges member states to establish penalties for infringements, which must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
For us in Cyprus, where it is estimated that there is one of the highest ratios of cats to inhabitants in the world, the new Regulation creates a significant challenge, concludes Mr. Theopemptou.
