Livestock farmers and residents around the Asprokremmos dam in Paphos say they are concerned by a surge in stray dog attacks on sheep, goats and other domestic animals.
The problem started in recent months when hunters began abandoning dogs at Asprokremmos after training sessions. Hunters dump dogs they judge not capable enough for hunting, farmers told Phileleftheros after reporting the situation to police and the Agriculture Department.
Those abandoned dogs have formed packs that now attack herds grazing under farmers’ supervision, as well as animals they find alone. Farmers say they are recording serious losses on a frequent basis.
Residents say the dogs naturally seek food, driving the attacks on livestock. But the strays have also discovered dead animals that farmers bring to a collection point at Asprokremmos, where a truck picks up carcasses for transport to a burning site.
The dogs eat these dead animals, creating obvious health risks, residents warn.
Farmers and residents want police and state departments to step in immediately. Threatening behaviour from stray dogs has now spread into the villages themselves—such incidents have already been reported in Anarita. They are calling for action before the situation gets worse.
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