The government extended a scheme to bolster regional stray dog shelters, aiming to alleviate the pressure on overburdened private facilities struggling with a growing number of abandoned animals.
The initiative, launched in January 2022, initially offered €1.5 million for temporary holding facilities across the country’s five free-area provinces.
Following its expiry in late 2023, the government pledged a further €1.5 million for 2024-2029, fulfilling a pre-election promise by President Christodoulides.
The plan prioritises promoting dog adoption and fostering collaboration between animal welfare groups and local authorities. This approach is seen as crucial for addressing the stray dog population effectively.
Each shelter must have a minimum capacity of 100 dogs to manage regional stray animal populations.
Limited progress
Despite two years of effort, progress on the initial plan has been limited. The burden remains heavily on private shelters, many of which are on the verge of collapse due to overcrowding and mounting debt. These facilities lack the resources to care for the influx of abandoned animals, highlighting the urgent need for a more sustainable solution.
The €250,000 annual allocation, subject to veterinary service approval, will prioritise building five shelters in free-area provinces and one in the semi-mountainous and mountainous areas of Nicosia.
Each facility will be eligible for a maximum €250,000 grant, contingent on submitting suitable proposals. Unspent funds may be allocated to complete ongoing projects within the annual and overall budget limits.
Participation in the scheme requires a minimum of five municipalities or communities partnering initially. This focus on collaboration aims to ensure a more coordinated approach to managing stray dog populations across regions. The scheme also extends to existing facilities, allowing them to upgrade and comply with regulations.
Status by District
- Nicosia: A temporary holding facility operates in a consortium of six municipalities in Greater Nicosia. It requires expansion and a license to function effectively. A separate private shelter in Dali lacks a building permit due to delays by the municipality. The “SIMBA” shelter, which is housed in the Temporary Holding Area for Stray Dogs in Paliometocho, accommodates 120 dogs of various breeds, while the facilities are built for 60. However, a large area, namely Solea, remains without a proper holding area for stray dogs.
- Limassol: Agios Athanasios municipality applied for land in Armenochori in May 2023, but progress is slow.
- Larnaca: The municipality has expressed interest in building on state land in Klavdia but awaits securing a passage, a critical prerequisite for moving forward.
- Paphos: Efforts are ongoing to secure a lease for state land in Acheleia after facing objections to a previous site. Designs are ready for submission upon land acquisition.
- Famagusta: No local authority has suitable facilities. A private shelter with approved specifications is offering its services to local authorities under a no-euthanasia policy, but discussions haven’t begun.
