A 2022 animal welfare complaint alleging uncontrolled dog imports for illegal resale has languished without resolution.
This inaction has exposed deep-seated disagreements between Cyprus’s Veterinary Services, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the complainant, highlighting potential failures in government oversight.
The dispute began when the Cyprus Federation of Animal Welfare Organisations “Cyprus Voice for Animals” urged government action to curb potentially illicit pet trade practices. Despite Ministry of Agriculture directives instructing the Veterinary Services to investigate the matter, no timely action occurred.
The Commissioner of Administration’s ensuing report severely criticises the Veterinary Services’ inaction. The report emphasises the state’s unified governance structure, underscoring the administration’s duty to protect public interest and uphold the law.
Veterinary Services Director Christodoulos Pipis attributed the initial delay to administrative oversight. He also highlighted the complexities of EU regulations (Article 5) governing the movement of companion animals and expressed concerns about the animal welfare organisation’s objectivity.
Revealed correspondence demonstrates a more entrenched conflict. The Veterinary Services openly questioned the Ministry of Agriculture’s authority. They characterised Ministry instructions on veterinary procedures as “unnecessary” and claimed that Ministry personnel lacked the necessary scientific expertise to manage the issue effectively.
Former Agriculture Minister Petros Xenophontos forcefully refuted these claims. He underscored prior Ministry directives instructing the Services to investigate animal import protocols and condemned the Services’ dismissive tone towards the complainant.
The Commissioner’s report concludes by strongly urging the Veterinary Services, in consultation with the Ministry, to investigate the animal import complaints and take necessary action thoroughly.
The report further instructs the agency to maintain transparent communication with the Cyprus Federation of Animal Welfare Organisations regarding the investigation’s progress.
