A Paphos municipal councillor has gone public with a formal complaint alleging that dozens of dogs were illegally killed at a private shelter in the district. Police have confirmed they are investigating.
Kyriakos Savva, a municipal councillor who says he uncovered the matter through his own research, published the complaint on social media, alleging that dogs were killed on at least five occasions between late January and mid-February 2026: 27 January, 1 February, 7 February, 10 February, and 16 February.
On 16 February alone, according to Savva, 40 dogs were killed. The 1 February incident is said to have been witnessed by an eyewitness.
The complaint was filed by a former volunteer at the shelter and submitted to Cyprus Police, the Office of the Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare, and political and organised bodies.
Savva says that this raises serious questions about whether the animals were genuinely incurable or dangerous, as required by law; whether the euthanasias were carried out by a registered vet; and whether legal procedures and protocols were followed.
The councillor also questions whether the public has been misled, given that the shelter presents itself as a “no-kill” facility. There are also reports that some of the alleged killings took place outside working hours.
Assistant Police Director in Paphos Michalis Nicolaou confirmed to In-Cyprus that a complaint had been made with the police and that the case had been assigned to the force’s animal abuse unit.
Savva has called on police to proceed immediately with a full criminal investigation, on the Veterinary Services to provide clear public answers without delay, and on the relevant authorities to ensure the protection of animals still at the shelter.
He urged the public not to stop donating food, medical supplies or other support, saying the animals continue to depend on that help and that his concerns are related to transparency and accountability at leadership level.