Cyprus will ban the euthanasia of stray dogs and cats except in extreme cases under pending legislation, whilst the Animal Welfare Commissioner has submitted a comprehensive action plan to tackle chronic failures in stray control and enforcement.
The amendment to the Dogs Law, awaiting parliamentary approval, removes euthanasia provisions except when an animal demonstrably poses a serious danger or suffers from chronic and irreversible conditions, Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare Antonia Theodosiou said.
The legislation would also limit the number of pets per household, with exemptions for current owners, and impose fines and administrative sanctions for violations, she said.
Theodosiou submitted a separate action plan to the Agriculture, Interior and Justice ministries addressing uncontrolled breeding of stray cats and dogs, low animal registration rates, delayed law enforcement, rising abandonment and abuse, and gaps in shelter facilities and public veterinary care.
Speaking at a social theatre performance in Larnaca on Sunday, the commissioner outlined mass sterilisation and marking campaigns, strengthening of private shelters, and creation of regional temporary holding facilities by local authorities.
The plan calls for enhanced law enforcement, establishment of municipal veterinary clinics for strays and pets of economically vulnerable groups, and an electronic platform for tracking abuse complaints and cases.
Local authorities are on the frontline and can contribute substantially to prevention and improvement of animal welfare conditions, Theodosiou said.
Net proceeds from the theatre performances go towards medical and pharmaceutical care of stray animals.
(information from CNA)