The Ecologists Movement files a complaint about dead kittens and 20 missing cats that were fed by animal lovers in the village of Maroni.
As stated in a relevant announcement, a dead puppy and hedgehogs were found.
“The apparent mass poisoning of animals in the village of Maroni in the Larnaca province causes revulsion and horror.”
According to the Ecologists Movement, the appalling incident was reported to the local police station on Saturday by concerned citizens.
The citizens claim that the police did not follow procedures regarding the investigation of the complaint about the killing – poisoning of animals.
The announcement reads:
Since last week, dead kittens seem to be constantly found, and the fate of 20 cats fed by animal lovers in the village of Maroni remains unknown. Also, a dead puppy and hedgehogs were found.
The horrifying incident was reported to the local police station on Saturday by concerned citizens. According to the citizens, the police did not follow procedures regarding the investigation of the complaint about the killing – poisoning of animals.
All animals found in the area should have been submitted for autopsy, but the police collected and took only the dog for autopsy, claiming that the other animals were strays, which is completely unacceptable.
Legislation on animal welfare covers all animals, not just those with owners. The police’s advice was to call the community authority to collect the kittens.
Additionally, citizens believe there was negligence in the whole case and were not allowed to file a written complaint. The possibility that if this is indeed a poisoning case, then someone in the community possesses illegal dangerous substances and could use them again is deeply concerning. The police should have been alarmed from the outset and should identify the culprit.
It is noted that citizens initially contacted the mobile phone of the Larnaca Provincial Animal Police without response. We bring back the issue of the animal police and the inability to effectively respond to society’s demand for animal protection and punishment of those who abuse animals, as there is understaffing or its members are often involved in other duties.
We demand the creation of an independent body with its staff, equipment, being excellent connoisseurs of legislation, and demonstrating the required zeal in clarifying cases and referring the guilty to Justice.
Such unacceptable criminal behaviour towards animals will no longer be tolerated by society. We demand an investigation of the incident and an effort to find the guilty party. We also request the Police Leadership to investigate the handling of the case by the police.
The coordinator of the animal action group of the movement, Anthi Mouzouri, emphasised:
“We are living in 2024, and unfortunately, there are daily crimes against animals. When will we finally respect animals? When will there be zeal from the competent authorities to enforce the law and procedures to punish the guilty?
Unfortunately, in Cyprus in 2024, there is a lot of work to be done to be called a civilised nation.”
