State officials allegedly seized and killed 20 legally imported crocodiles, caused the death of a jaguar through unlawful confinement, and killed legally imported birds — all in retaliation for a complaint against the Agriculture Ministry, according to a formal complaint submitted to the President of the Republic.
The allegations are contained in a written complaint dated May 14, 2026, filed by lawyers representing Melios Pet Centre Ltd and its owner Menelaos Menelaou, who has been operating in the animal trade, breeding, importing and farm sectors since 2000.
The lawyers describe what they call chronic, systematic and documented unlawful conduct by state officials and services, amounting to violations of constitutional rights, the principles of good governance and the European Convention on Human Rights.
According to the complaint, the Game Fund carried out the seizure and killing of the legally imported birds and crocodiles without justification, and unlawfully confined animals in their transport crates — resulting in the death of a jaguar.
The transport of three small lions was also allegedly unlawfully obstructed. The lawyers claim all of these actions were taken as retaliation for a complaint the company had filed against the Agriculture Ministry.
The complaint also alleges forgery of official documents and interference in the company’s commercial transactions with European partners.
The lawyers are asking the President to order an immediate, independent and comprehensive investigation into all the alleged actions, to be assigned to an independent body outside the services already involved.
They are also requesting that all individuals implicated be held accountable, that unlawful restrictive measures against the company be immediately lifted, and that pending permits — including planning and zoo licences — be issued.
Further requests include equal treatment before the law, greater transparency and accountability in public administration, and a personal meeting between the President and the complainant to present the full evidence file.
Given the severity of the case and the alleged involvement of senior state officials, the lawyers also ask the President to consider establishing an ad hoc inquiry committee.
(information from CNA)
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