Joint Declaration on Animals in Cyprus.
May, 2017
Dear Gentlemen, Ladies,
My name is Fotoula Polydorou and I represent a large number of aggrieved citizens who have signed the “PUPLIC DECLARATION FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS” which I will attach to you.1.
The “PUBLIC DECLARATION FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS” is the result of the collaboration of volunteers, pet owners, hunters and other ordinary citizens who have explained and presented their positions, views, problems and complaints. Besides the thousands of handwritten and electronic signatures, engaged citizens and many organized volunteers, hunters and others such as groups with several thousand members, have made a separate letter representing themselves, and their members attached on this letter by me. I attach to you the “PUPLIC DECLARATION FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS” their own personal experiences and problems, since they are the people on the front line of this unacceptable and uncontrollable situation.
For years we have been asking the state to introduce and properly implement animal legislation but to no avail. The situation has become absolutely unbearable. The various bills that have been voted are incomplete and ineffective and the laws already in place are not applied in everyday practice with the penalties proposed being too weak to convince animal abusers to change their stance against animals..
The “PUBLIC DECLARATION FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS” has been created by the same people who have shown you confidence in their vote and have given you the power to vote for laws. We now want you to hear our voice, our anger and feel our exasperation through the “PUBLIC DECLARATION FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS”. As active citizens of the Republic of Cyprus we REQUIRE the immediate adoption of a comprehensive, functional, effective and enforceable legislation.
We who have given political power to create law in Cyprus, do not merely ask from you, but DEMAND from you that you take us into consideration and create laws for animal life now.
We give you the “PUBLIC DECLARATION FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS” with our own views and opinions.
1. We require the state to assume its responsibilities and implement effective policies to tackle the problem of dog abandonment and the increase in the number of stray animals.
Existing legislation says that if the owner of a dog is not found within 15 days, the animal is to be euthanased and reports tell of 200,000 dogs euthanized per year 2
(A) Instead of blaming the stray animals (!), why not blame the people who abandon them and force them into becoming strays? In essence, the existing legislation punishes the victim rather than the perpetrator. You condemn a healthy animal to death when its sole mistake was to love the very owner who abandoned it and caused it to live on the streets, constantly thirsty and hungry.
And we, as a “civilized people,” exterminate it instead of treating it and we do not even punish the perpetrator (although there are laws about that). This is murder, not euthanasia and it only encourages irresponsible owners to continue abusing and abandoning animals undisturbed (especially when they do not have a microchip). Existing legislation is what has caused all this and not the stray animals, the victims that is. The situation is simply too much to try and manage..
(B) With constant abandonment, the number of strays is increasing daily and has reached alarming levels . Abandoned animals live in fear and insecurity, in adverse weather conditions and in their attempt to find food often form herds to survive. Being treated much like garbage by people, they develop an aggressive behavior to protect themselves and survive. As a state (through existing legislation) you pay more attention to the animal that attacked a man and little to no attention to the man who abandoned the animal and is, as such, responsible for its aggressive behavior.
With ineffective law management , the strays will certainly become more aggressive towards humans 3. We consider YOU responsible for our safety since if you do formulate proper laws and policies to deal with the root of the problem, which is us the humans and not the animals, the number of strays will eventually decrease and none of us would be in danger of any fearful strays that may pose danger to children and adults in Cyprus. 4.1–4.2–4.3
© With the euthanasia rates we have 5 . we are tarnishing the image of Cyprus abroad. A Russian newspaper that is active in Cyprus has requested and published the “PUPLIC DECLARATION FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS” to its citizens 6
Do not forget that the culture of a country is judged by the way it treats animals. 7.1–7.2
In Cyprus, the legal system does not prevent but even encourages the existing state of affairs regarding animal welfare. Citizens have tried, these are some cases only of a many others: a) Marib) Tyson c) A state kennel worker burning animals with acid d) Agios Amvrosios newspaper e) Agios Amvrosios g) Agios Amvrosios protest, to have the state create laws to avoid all this with every means available but they are completely ignored.
D) The control of the population of an animal species is NOT achieved by its extermination but by neutering 8 and proper education 9.
(E) We have become a country that exports strays in an attempt to save as many animals as we can from the unacceptable euthanasia law 10
(G) Strays are not hazardous to public health 11 and in Greece there is also relevant legislation 12 where municipalities have to provide food and water for strays 13.1–13.2–13.3. This definitely shows the culture of a nation!
(H) Greece has managed to take on its responsibilities for animals and other people by voting on a comprehensive law. 14
2. We call for the implementation of a policy that deals with the neutering of dogs and cats so we can do some population control and create protection programmes. We call for the funding public education programmes along with cat and dog neuteration programs.
With the current economic crisis, many people are unable to neuter their animals, especially if they have more than one. Prices from private vets range from € 100 — € 180 for dogs and from € 50 — € 80 for cats. Basic salary ranges from € 650 to € 800 and when one has an average of 2 children, it is virtually impossible to save such large amounts of money and is even more difficult if one of the two parents is unemployed (or both parents). There were neuteration programs in the past offered by government veterinary services but they were converted into euthanasia programs.
(A) We request financing of new neuteration programs as implemented by the governments of 15.1 Kingdom of Bhutan (for dogs), 15.2 most US states (for cats) but also public education to inform people why neutering is important. We are asking for implementation ofneutering (and microchip) for existing animals, with a duration of 12 to 18 months, to give owners the opportunity to neuter and chip their existing animals for free or at a very low cost. (Excluding the animals where neutering could possibly result to death.)
(B) Government veterinarians to provide neutering services within the period of 12–18 months.
© Vet students to practice in facilities owned by state veterinary services and especially at performing neutering surgery and always under the constant supervision of experienced veterinarians. In this way, state expenses for the provision of neutering services will decrease as vets would already be available (and if additional veterinarians are needed the cost will still be low) and vet students shall offer their services free of charge.
(D) Increase dog license fee from €40 € 250, as recommended by the new bill, to “force” the majority to neuter their dog and especially females. If someone chooses not to neuter the dog he/she should pay the fee and when the dog gives birth, the owner will naturally have to undergo the necessary procedures through an approved body to find adoptees for the puppies. Any puppies can be sold or transferred to relatives ONLY by an authorized organization that will ensure all the necessary steps of the adoption package are taken. Selling or giving away any dogs without an adoption package must stop immediately. New animal owners should be made aware of the license fee for a healthy dog should they agree to adopt a dog, whether they want the dog, the dog being healthy or not.
(E) In no case should the fee be increased to €250 before the programs mentioned in paragraph 2 are implemented. That would result in the abandonment of dogs since irresponsible owners and those with financial problems will not hesitate to abandon their animals.
(F) The tax fee of ownership of a neutered animal to rise to € 25 not to € 15 as the new bill suggests in order to be able to fund the various animal welfare programs but also to set up an animal police that will control all animals especially the non-neutered.
(G) Competent authorities to establish a safe trapping, neutering and restoration program for stray cats to control their populations. From what we have been informed, some Municipalities on their own initiative successfully implemented such programs.
(H) Stop the introduction of new dogs in Cyprus until we solve the problem with stray dogs.
3. Limiting euthanasia to what is absolutely necessary. Euthanasia is not a control measure of the animal population. 16
It is neutering that prevents the uncontrolled growth of strays and not euthanasia. No matter how many animals are euthanized when there are endless births and irresponsible qualities, the vets will euthanize simply and more and more animals will be abandoned daily. It is now obvious that the euthanasia law is worsening rather than eliminating the problem and demanding its immediate abolition.
(A) We believe that euthanasia in an animal should be ONLY when the animal itself suffers or is considered dangerous. And we do not consider dangerous an animal trained to be a guard, a police dog or the life of the animal or its owner. Dangerous we consider an animal that attacks unnecessarily and cause harm or an animal that, after joining a rescue program, fails not to attack.17
(B) We demand strict penalties for owners who train or even neglect or even abuse the dog causing the animal aggressive behavior.
© Require a special report from 2 veterinarians to euthanize an animal, from a private and public vet. The reason is simple. To avoid illegal euthanasia by irresponsible owners who just want to get rid of their animals and their responsibilities.
(D) Also, in the event of an animal’s death, you must again require exposure from two veterinarians in order to avoid the deliberate killing of an animal either by owner or by arbitrary persons, with full details of the cause of the animal’s death. In this way, they can be no under the table dealings (corruption 1 . 2 ) from fake vets.
4. To stop the uncontrolled introduction of wild animals and the operation without effective control of the so-called “zoos”. Changing and properly implementing the legal framework for the so-called “zoos”. Prohibition of the introduction of animals that are inconsistent with the ecosystem of Cyprus.
You should allow to import animals that are inconsistent with our own ecosystem, since it is impossible for animals to adapt themselves 18 unless we can offer them the right conditions of prosperity.
As an example,”MELIOS PARK”, 19.1, 19.2, we all have seen an unacceptable situation that continues to this day. We have even criticized the incompetence and irresponsibility of the competent authorities. Also I attach my personal letters with complaints about “Melios Park” that have been made since 2008 Τεκ1 .
When the people who were appointed to control these situations were irresponsible and unable to control the situation, we wonder why the Republic of Cyprus still employed them in their positions. The legislation itself is incomplete and its implementation mechanisms are completely UNREGISTERED 20. Together with irresponsible people who even hold administrative positions, who do not do their job correctly, how can the system work? Who are the excellent civil servants that you appoint to create us as a modern civil state? 21
(A) First of all, we ask the appropriate people in the right places not only for domestic animals but also wild ones and we mean the Thira (Forestry Police is called Thira in Cyprus) and the Ministry of the Interior.
(B) Appropriately landscaped spacious and clean zoos.
© Regular inspections in zoos.
(D) Revenue from zoos shall be allocated for the maintenance, operation of such sites and for the welfare of the animals.
(E) Do not sell animals to zoo owners unless they obtain a special permit for specific species from public authorities.
(G) Forbid individuals to reproduce specific animals without permission and the necessary conditions, for example, many who are in possession of hamsters, piglets etc. What happens when they multiply? What will the individual do?
5. We call for the establishment of satisfactory state sponsorship of animal and dog animal shelters.
The state has transferred the burden of its responsibilities to animal welfare organizations and shelters, which naturally have literally kneeled 22. There are no satisfactory or no facilities, equipment and well trained people for strays in several of the municipalities and communities. The result is that this burden is transferred to volunteers or to those working in shelters and organizations. Many times the facilities in these areas are considered inappropriate, perhaps because there is insufficient control or there is no financial support to create the appropriate infrastructure but also to find suitable staff.
Without sufficient financial resources and with the increasing tendency of strays, municipalities and shelters are unable to control the situation.
(A) We can finance (except for municipalities) shelters in order to modernize them on the basis of European standards and to be able to accommodate stray animals. That’s where all the stray animals can be kept. Anyone who wants an animal (for example, a breed) to visit shelters or approved breeders who can provide or reproduce and give for adoption an animal with all its certificates, vaccines, microchip, tag on the leash and a health booklet. But, you should give incentives for adopting strays than buy pets from the market and from breeders until the situation with the strays becomes manageable. If someone wants to adopt an animal, if it is a puppy, he will take it with an adoption package (both from the shelters and the breeders). When it is time for neutering and microchip to return it from where it was bought or adopted to make all prepaid processes. Those who do not want to neuter their animals to declare from the beginning in the animal’s book so that every year you pay to the Municipality the relevant fee, but the relative control of the birth of the animal can be done.
This way, money can be secured if all the animals are recorded and there will be no problem with the owner not reporting the animal and consequently loss of state revenue from the dog ownership permits.
(B) Check whether funds are available from the European Union for animal funding.
© Define fines and penalties for both the one who sells an animal and the person who owns the animal without the above conditions. There are also plenty of breeders who have not obtained the necessary licenses and therefore sell animals completely uncontrolled, without certificates, animals sick and under conditions that can not be controlled etc. See here the whole situation 23.
(D) Also the state itself does not collect the fee from the required permits even after complaints from the citizens themselves but ALWAYS asserts that there is no money. Money is there, why you do not collect them?
(E) Let the people who voluntarily work in shelters and are closer to the object to function properly to be paid workers not only volunteers.
(F) Examine very carefully those who deal with animals, ie, animal welfare organizations, shelters, municipalities and veterinary services if they care about the issue and do not use it as a means of exploitation and profiteering. We have noticed such phenomena both in Cyprus and abroad. 24.1–24.2
(G) All animal welfare organizations and shelters should keep accounting, revenue from taxes, sales, etc., with regular government scrutiny, in order to identify the need for further assistance and state funding to meet their obligations.
(H) Check how shelters and animal welfare organizations use their income to prevent money dissipation and profiteering at the expense of life 25.1 25.2
(I) Where an improper operation of a refugee or animal welfare organization is found to interfere with the state to resolve the problem. People who take up administrative positions in animal welfare organizations and shelters, but also breeders will go through training and meet the required criteria and will not be convicted of poaching, abuse, abandonment etc.
(J) We demand that you give priority to funds that have a social benefit. We see approval of funds to buy limos for political officials and delay the approval of a firefighting budget line? Inadmissible.26
(K) We recently approved a fund to spoil a brand new desalination plant 27 for which we have 25,000,000 tossed money to build another one of it worth about € 50,000,000.
(L) Paying civil servants of € 5000 without being assigned to work 28
Not to mention the scandals that have become a habit for us to listen to our receivers daily.
Is this the management and exploitation of public money? This is our question in your everlasting answer that there is NEVER money. Here you have set us a rule of law and we are not seeing justice. Everything is under corruption. Who has the responsibility and why are you still sitting in his chair?
6. We need to create an “animal police”, which will also visit all registered animals (even in shelters) at regular intervals to examine and ensure the right living conditions.
It is not just about creating legislation but there must be the necessary mechanisms that can be implemented. This is the animal police that must stand out from the police or the neighborhood police officer. To date, the police have completely failed to manage the situation with the animals either because of workload or because of non-training on the subject or because of irresponsibility
Animal police must only deal with the control and welfare of animals. We do not want MINI Animal Police, Minister. We want an adequate, fully trained, and effective police of the lives of animals 29, and why not the establishment of an animal prosecutor 30.1–30.2
(A) Special training is needed, appropriate staff (we suggest dog trainers or people through shelters), special means of transport and tools to trace trapping, animal transport, things not trained to do by a police officer.
(B) Animal police have the authority to visit all registered animals in any premises but also to identify owners who are in possession of non-registered animals.
© Regularly check the living conditions of each animal in all premises (even in pet shops, shelters, and zoos, etc.) and be able to directly confiscate an animal and issue off-site fines on the spot.
In the bill deposited before you, you say that he can not have more than one dog in one apartment. The essence is not the WHO dogs or WHO have them but what conditions they have and how they affect their surroundings and how much the animals themselves are affected.
(D) Animal police should be responsible for complaints and be able to issue on the spot fines (like traffic police) to those who do not pick up their feces, keep their animals in public places, keep their animals tied or limited to places where an animal can not prosper, do not respect animal and public health conditions, abuse animals and abandon them, etc. Owners of biting dogs may initially be observed in order to resolve the situation only after the observation, eventually fined.
(E) Investigate allegations of poisoning, abuse, misappropriation or death in an animal, abandonment after a car accident, etc., and be able to issue a direct injunction. Take testimonies, photos and testimonies and be able to establish a case in court. You are attaching a letter to the Investigation and Complaints Authority against the police of Georgia Andreou with all the criminal omissions and irresponsibility of the Cypriot police for the case in Agios Amvrosios Limassol.Τεκ 2.
(F) Citizens, without fear of the law of euthanasia, can call the police of the lives when they find a free animal that may have been lost. Animal police have the responsibility for safe trapping of the animal, its tracing and delivery to the owner.
(G) Anyone losing an animal must be required to report it to the police within 48 hours otherwise you will consider abandonment by the owner.
(H) The animal police shall immediately inform the animal control, following an animal termination report, of the microchip number and of the area lost so as to make it easier to locate it.
(Ι) As far as hunters are concerned, the role of the animal police is to take over the port (which can be controlled by the animal police). Here’s what they suggest in Greece. 31.1. The Forest Ranger Service (Thira, in Greek), to control hunting dogs during the hunting season if they have a microchip 31.2 and if the dog meets the required conditions and licenses. If you do not immediately seize the hunting license and impose a fine. If a hunting dog is not with the owner the door will deliver the dog to the animal police which will take the steps to return the dog to its owner.
(J) Thira (Forest Rangers) itself, since it is the wildlife policeman and has about 60,000 hunters, is unacceptable to employ ONLY 100 sheriffs. We find it inconceivable that the presence of Thera in the area is so obvious. Guard guards need to be undercover to be able to act more effectively. No one will shoot a forbidden species in front of a guardian or dare to throw rubbish. We also want to control the guardians themselves if they mislead or are being corrupted, and this can easily be done by a special group that will act to fight corruption in the guards, but also to detect undercover poachers.
(K) After the end of each hunting season, all owners of hunting dogs will be checked if they still own their dogs.
(L) Thira service should regularly check hunting areas. To prevent poisoning or abandoning dogs and to be ready to help in these cases and even in the case of bite-biting either the hunter or the dog. Allow again to have a bitch bite injection because many dogs do not prevent getting transferred to the veterinarians
(M) Many hunting dogs are worth thousands of euros for this and are regularly the subject of theft. 32. By applying the microchip and ensuring all the required certificates and controls no one will be able to steal a dog. He / she must present all the certificates (where only the approved body can issue) which should be in accordance with the microchip if someone attempts to remove and to reposition another microchip.
(Ν) If someone declares that he has lost his dog to the animal police, he immediately passes the microchip to the animal control system.
(Ο) If a dog is found (in a situation that appears to have been abandoned) without being declared by the owner to be considered as abandonment and to impose an extra-ordinary fine.
(Ρ) If the animal finds itself killed by a routine autopsy, it even investigates the owner, for many irresponsible owners who no longer want their pets to abandon themselves or even cause death and declare disappearance in order to discard their responsibilities.
(Q) Incentives to be given for animals of which their owners no longer want to abandon but to be able to transfer them to another person or return them to a shelter or community. From there, the animal can be adopted by another owner inside or outside Cyprus. There is also the case of the death of the owner or his transfer to another country or place where he can not transport his pet. The animal police can arrange the transport of the animal to the shelters or communities and delete the animal from its owner at his request for the above reasons. In the event of the owner’s death, the animal may be transferred to a person in the family environment if one is interested or the animal returns to the shelters in order to find a new owner.
(R) One of the reasons owners of habitats are to place poisons is that unconscious hunters pollute or destroy their possessions. Those in their attempt not to enter hunters into their possessions place poisons to cause damage to their dogs. 33.
We advise Thira (Forestry Rangers) to distribute on the spot fines when it identifies a hunter to pollute and destroy foreign property and if it is possible from the hunting license to place trash cans where possible. We also welcome the new interior ministry measures for empty cartridges 34.
(S) If a poison or traps are detected in hunting areas, an immediate search warrant for the owner of the property from Thira Service is issued.
A very effective measure for poisons that is applied in Greece with complete success is with specially trained dogs for poison baits. 35.1, 35.2
(T) The animal police itself may be denounced by the Complaints Investigation Authority against the police. Generally, no service to be controlled by itself or its ministry but by an independent authority.
7. To organize free access dog-walking areas and beaches. Remove the absolute ban on the presence of animals on beaches. Set up organized and adequate beaches for pet and their owners to enjoy.
We can not as citizens pay the annual licenses for dogs and at the same time we do not have a place where to walk our dogs 36.
(A) To organize free access dog-walking areas and beaches. 37 Remove the absolute ban on the presence of animals on beaches. Set up organized and adequate beaches for pet and their owners to enjoy.
(B). It is not forbidden according to law to take our dogs for a walk in public parks. They, and the beaches, should nevertheless have bins special for the disposal of dog shit during walking the dog in these areas.38 Such parks can be designed in a way suitable for dog wealkers as they are already designed suitably for small children playgrounds in them.
8. To apply with uttermost strictness the relevant law that concerns the obligations of dog owners to causing public noise and causing dirty public environments, but the Municipalities must provide garbage bins for dog walkers.
First of all, there is a need to inform the pet and farm animals owners of their obligations from the various municipalities and communities. They should also be informed of the penalties provided for by law, the welfare of animals, but also their obligation towards their neighbors and general public health.
(A) City halls should provide communities with trash cans so that a citizen can dispose his dog’s litter bag and not have to keep it until he returns home. This is what we believe should have already been done, not only for dog waste but also for the citizens themselves to throw away the garbage they have in hand. In places where no trash can be found, the sidewalks are full of bags and cans, especially at the bus stops. We also must have control over those who place special waste bins 39. In this way we will keep our cities and villages clean.
(B) Mechanisms to impose a fine on owners of dogs who do not collect their litter.
© Fine owners of dogs who let their dogs cause damage to public and private property.
9. To create an animal inspection and protection body with the active involvement of animal welfare organizations to define and control animal policy, as local authorities have proved incapable of implementing legislation on dogs and veterinary services welfare for animals.
We have all witnessed by reading the news that vets and local authorities have failed to effectively enforce the legislation as well as have been unable to meet their obligations. This may be due to non-qualified people holding these positions or even inadequate staffing of these public authorities.
(A) Animal welfare organizations should take control of the proper operation of programs and oversee the implementation of the county in conjunction with animal police.
(B) Animal welfare organizations are controlled by the state but are responsible for the implementation of proper animal policy in municipalities and communities and in general where animals are present.
© Animal welfare organizations can control vets and the quality of services they offer as well as to meet their responsibilities and obligations.
PUBLIC DECLARATION FOR THE ANIMALS — English Version
LETTER TO
AKEL — DISY — DIKO — EDEK -ELAM
KINIMA IKOLOGON — SIMACHIA POLITON — KINIMA ALILEGGI
THE PRESIDENT OF THE PARLIAMENT
SUBJECT
Joint Declaration on Animals in Cyprus.
May, 2017
Signatures to date 12/05/2017: 12,200.
10.To strictly prohibit commercial import of animals and birds for ornamental purposes. To prohibit the sale of dogs and cats from pet shops. Promotion of law for breeders, animal shelters, pet shops. No one should be entitled to reproduce an animal without permission.
(A) To dissalow anyone from having a big parrot, monkey, iguana etc. in his house eg in a 1X1 cage. This can only be feasible when the prospective owner presents a spacious space with conditions appropriate and safe for the pet he has chosen.
(B) Sale and reproduction shall be made ONLY by approved bodies of the State having premises suitable for that purpose. Today anyone can reproduce an animal and the puppies they either embadon to the streets or sell them without control.
© Forbid pet shops to sell puppies, kittens and ornamental bunnies directly. Without the required certificates and the adoption packages mentioned above, the birth status can not be controlled. Every pet shop interested in selling puppies, kittens and ornamental bunnies to get in touch with the approved bodies to make the procedures right. For example if a customer wants a particular dog breed to complete an application to the pet shop by providing the necessary information which the pet shop owner will present to the approved body so as to secure the animal to his customer under the conditions of point 5 a). Also, not only their own space, we consider that pet shops can not provide the ideal conditions for the welfare of these animals. 40 But a pet shop owner may also become an approved body if it complies with the required conditions
(D) When there are restrictive measures (which are effectively applied) on what we are entitled to import and the purpose we are introducing then we believe that we will solve a very big problem. Not only for us but also for the animals we literally abduct from their natural environment in order to profit or groom our space.
11.Prohibition of the sale of animals, birds, corals, shells, etc. protected under the CITES Treaty.
(A) Prohibition of the sale of prohibited and protected species with controls and more severe penalties.
12. To strictly prohibit the poisoning and trapping and killing of wild animals, e.g. Foxes and reptiles.
Poisoning and exterminating wildlife is not a solution to any problem.
All animals have their own role in the ecosystem. If we take as an example the fox that has become a big issue these days that it is eating prey for hunters and the forest ranger service (Thira) which, in order to get rid of its own responsibilities, has begun its hunt for the extermination of the fox 41. As if it were the fox that is responsible for poaching, the fires, the ncontrolled rural roads and the uncontrolled licenses given to 50,000 hunters. These have constrained not only the fox numbers but the whole wildlife and even contradicts legislation 42. The fox is first of all a purifier of nature. Without it the rodents will be multiplied to large numbers and even more anti-rodent poisons will be places out (which also affects the environment since they can not be assimilated) , and not only by the mice. The fox is rarely attacking hares, and if it does, it is because we have eliminated its habitat either with fires or with growth and can not easily find food. 43. See what Thira has received as answers just as she announced that she will organize a fox cull.
(A) We can not exterminate an animal because it is looking for food and a way to survive in its own natural environment, which itself is destroyed by the human being. Since it is possible to verify with certainty that the population of an animal has increased to such an extent as to affect other animals or humans, it is trapped and neutered (to a certain extent) of a particular animal and restored to its natural environment. That’s how he controls his population. Also the restoration of their natural environment that was destroyed by fires, would help to multiply species and make it easier for carnivorous animals to find food. With the uncontrolled opening of rural roads, not only flora but also fauna is being destroyed. With easy access to wildlife, the man himself causes direct destruction.
(B) Stronger punishments should be legislated for those who set up traps and bird sticky glue trappings and massively exterminate everything. We really wondered why television shows that networks have been found here and destroyed on the spot and even congratulations were offered to them. When someone sets up a trap or net they will definitely visit it to pick up their victims. Why then Thira does not oversee the place to capture the one who set up the networks, but just go and scrape them. And we really wonder how few people were sued (if they were sued) in the court with such charges. And the culmination is to see a parliament member who, in a provocative way to eat ampelopoulia (birds caught with sticky traps, illegally) 44 ,and to continue to provoke even after one year 45 and even to say it publicly and to challenge but also to criticize the legislation itself that the Parliament voted 46. Another Member wants to delete our national animal again because “incests take place”. 47 and even the party of his, itself, supports his views 48. And it is really unbelievable that the hunters themselves even reacted to this inconceivable hunt for our national animal. Research Officer at the Terra Cypria Foundation and the Thera Service Officer have provided the solutions 49. It is really NOT COMPREHENSIBLE that whatever one finds it a problem then the accused animal is immediately to be exterminated.
© We demand more effective methods of combating poaching and more responsible guards 50. So free are the poachers that they even set up networks even in a hunting area 51. We believe that the mode of operation of THIRA must be changed since there are numerous complains by the hunters.
Several Thira rangers are personal friends with the hunters and do not enforce the legislation as it should to all of the hunters.
(D) We call for a public authority to control the Thira rangers but also the policemen.
(E) Take a more careful check to the conditions to secure the hunting permit. The hunters themselves are calling for a review of the hunting license, since we have reports that the examiners themselves are giving certifications as to ONLY secure money instead of the safety of wildlife or the hunters themselves. Hunting license or even the gun if and when a hunter does not abide by the laws.52
(F) To make an information program for hunters on the environment and animals 53.
13. Creation of a Special Fund (eg income from the annual registration of dogs, etc.) to be used exclusively for animal benefit programs.
Make a common fund from hunting permits, fees, dogs, fines, state sponsorship, European funds for wildlife and strays, if and when they’re available, and used for neuteration, For medicines, sponsorship, etc.
To receive money, any amount by anyone, must be put to a halt.
(A) We have noticed that legal owners of dogs are far fewer than those who do not issue a dog holding permit. There is absolutely no control, with the result that more and more citizens are “encouraged” not to issue a dog’s permit because many of our fellow citizens have denounced people who have not secured a dog’s license without any mobilization by the authorities. The result is that even a legitimate dog owner thinks of himself as a “victim” he pays and when he acquires a new dog he does not take care to secure the new dog’s possession. We consider it perfectly normal. “Why should I pay if there is no control, and what does the state pay me for my dog?” The money is there and state mechanisms (which say we have no money for this purpose) just do not go to collect them.
(B) We require immediate control and recording of all dogs. We know that the law already exists for both the recording and the microchip. Why is it not applicable? We also know that all political parties have the right, in their letter to the competent authority, to ask for explanations why the law does not apply. Why has not any party done so far?
© If all dog owners pay the annual dog possession permit if we are not economists, a huge amount is gathered. In addition to the fines, part of the income from hunting permits, zoo income, future revenues from the sales of dogs by the registered operators, etc. We believe that we can also fund the police of the lives, the shelters and the animal welfare organizations But also to prepare neuteration and microchip programs, etc.
(D) All these revenues are controlled by the State Auditor General and always share the necessity and the problem with issues related to the well-being of the lives.
(E) We believe that after 12–18 months if the neuteration program, etc. (in point 5 of the Common Animal Declaration) is correctly implemented, as the number of strays will be reduced sufficiently and eliminated and all owners have secured the relevant Then the public will definitely dump all the extra costs incurred for this purpose.
14. Establishment of a 24-hour (animal) animal control system in which all registered animals will be recorded to make it easier to locate them.
(A) There is ONLY a common state website that records all the lives so that each citizen knows every time what animals each shelter possesses so that if he wants to adopt what he knows and what stock he has.
(B) Also, if an animal has been lost or stolen through the passage of the registration number on the website, the owner can easily be identified.
We can even use the veterinary software itself, just part of the software can be used by the citizen itself.
15. Operation of a Cypriot number that will refer to the neighborhood police and the police for animals, handling complaints, etc.
The creation of a pancyprian number where the citizen can call on all matters concerning the animals or make complaints.
16. Simplifying the procedures for issuing a warrant for entry to flats and houses / amending the law on a judicial warrant in cases of animal abuse complaints.
With the difficulty and delay of proceedings for issuing a warrant, they are often fatal for the animal or the destruction or disappearance of evidence, so that no case can be established and as usual the perpetrator remains unpunished. For example, in cases of special poisoning or animal abuse by the police’s complaint and visit to the home of the offender without a search warrant, it is like warning the perpetrator that we will investigate him and take care of the disappearance of the evidence. Almost all citizens are aware of this unacceptable tactic, and so they continue their work undisturbed by those who take such actions.
17. An increase in penalties for abusing, abandoning, killing, trapping and mistreatment of animals. Do not have a person who has abandoned or abused an animal to have an animal again in his possession.
With current procedures and the issuing of a warrant concerning the abuse, abandonment, killing, trapping and mistreatment of animals in connection with the hardship clauses existing in the existing legislation, we are rather encouraging rather than eliminating such situations. Again here the law acts as an encouraging rather than a deterrent. When the perpetrator knows, he will know that he has been denounced
When the perpetrator knows in advance that he will be taken to authorities, he will have time to cover his traces until the issuing of a warrant, and IF we finally get him and lead him to the court, and IF we manage to prove the case against him his penalty in court will be small and by a suspended imprisonment 54.1 54.2, it is as if we say to the thief “we have denounced you for theft, we will come to check you in a week, and if you find guilty, the amount of your sentence will be much smaller than what you stole we will put you in prison for time being and IF to recapture you will imprison you for one month. “ The same is true of poachers. In Greece, the penalty for any poisoned or permanently tied animal is € 30,000, while prison sentences have increased to a truly dissuasive level. 55 When you publicly announce a 3 months suspended sentence and a € 300 fine certainly does not have the same impact as the 8 Year prison and € 50,000. Today, the perpetrators of these abusive acts 56, who are no longer afraid to publicly declare their actions, are so much encouraged
Many such cases are here 57
A) We ask you to increase penalties and fines for poaching, abandonment, killing, poisoning 58.1, 58.2, 58.3 trapping and mistreatment of animals to MAXIMUM deterrence 59.1, 59.2, 59.3. Not only animals are abused and threatened by such unbalanced individuals but we are our own and children. We invite you to ensure the safety of your own citizens, since you certainly will not want to have someone near you who poison, shoot or hang animals. It is proven that those who abuse animals do not hesitate to abuse or even kill humans. 60.1, 60.2. The FBI has even classify abuse lives in the most serious felonies 61 in order to protect the same in humans
(B) A person who has abandoned or abused an animal, seized the animal and is not entitled to have an animal again in its possession.
© An individual who said that he lost his dog beyond 2 times and the dog was never found the third time will pay an annual dog holding fee of € 300 (for the next dog) for the fourth time € 600 and then not entitled to hold Again a dog or other animal.
(D) Particularly severe punishments for those who hold animals-related posts, for example, wholesales, municipalities, veterinary services, animal police, animal welfare officials, etc. Corruption is always crippled by the head.
18. Removal of the tax traces or reduction when it comes to sending an animal for adoption abroad by animal welfare organizations and shelters.
We find it unacceptable that we have such a big problem with the strays in Cyprus and make it difficult to adopt and pass a stray dog abroad with such taxes. This taxation should be totally abolished or reduced to a minimum. Revenue from traces to be used for the Common Animal Fund. It is unacceptable to make the situation of adopting abroad difficult (while for us it is a big problem) and to let the stragglers here in 15 days be killed? What the rationale behind this taxation we have not understood.
19.Enjoyment of the program taught in schools in the context of environmental education.
It all starts with education. 62
(A) Children should be informed about matters of life and to learn to respect animals and the environment of the school. When a child is taught to love the environment and animals and to respect them, we will greatly reduce the abuse of life and the vandalism of the natural environment 63. Many children who abuse animals, arson and vandalism when they grow up become violent not only in others but in the same family and their children 64. Very often the result is end up in prison. When this happens, it means that we, as a state, have failed to teach our citizens ethical values, leading to problem citizens with problematic behaviors. We really hate the fact that you even rejected a proposal to hold a one-hour event a year for the animals 65. Do not you see that year after year problematic behaviors are rising?
(B) It is proved that when a child has a pet is more calm, smarter, more disciplined and not prone to illness. Indeed, scientists 66.1, 66.2 report that children who have pets are better and more efficient pupils at school, organized in their activities at home and at school.
20.Transporting animal information contracts for the particulars of the animal to be acquired and the quality of life that it should provide.
(A) At first, an individual who intends to adopt or buy an animal has not been convicted of an animal abuse or poaching. A responsible written statement before adoption procedures are considered to be a very helpful tool in our hands. It is very important to be able to ensure that the animal goes well.
(B) An information sheet on the particularities of the animal to be adopted and the quality of life to be provided to the animal.
© An information sheet on the penalties provided for by the animal legislation
The purpose of the “PUBLIC DECLARATION FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS” is to awaken you and to document with you a huge problem that you aggravate day by day but also to propose solutions. I have tried through the “Public Declaration of the Animals” to convey to you the indignation and the anger that we our citizens have come to our limits.
We ask all parties to support the “PUBLIC DECLARATION FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS” and submit it to the House as their proposal for immediate legislation. We know that several points already exist in existing legislation, but we believe that they need to be improved and implemented.
All citizens’ signatures are in my possession and are at your disposal.
We are at your disposal for any clarification or any meeting you want between us on the subject.
We also ask you to attend your meetings if and when you submit the “PUBLIC DECLARATION FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS” as a legislative proposal.
We are immediately waiting for your quick and clear answer if you will file the “Public Declaration for the welfare of the Animals” as a party in the House, but if you will support it with your positive vote if and when it will be tabled as a draft law.
All letters from the parties, ministers and the President of the Republic will be communicated to all signatories of the “PUBLIC DECLARATION FOR THE WELFARE OF THE ANIMALS” and to the organized groups that have enclosed a letter to you, as well as to their hunting and animal welfare pages and their members.
With Regard,
PS1: To our letter, no answer yet has been received today 14/07/2017 from the minister of Internal Affairs Cyprus. 67
PS2: The gathering of online and offline signatures to our petition is being continued so we cannot state the number as it keeps rising.
PS3: Other groups of engaged citizens too, have expressed the will to support our petition and our present letter ‘’Common Declaration for Animals in Cyprus’’, and I am able to send their own letters of support in due time.
Attached references:
Ref.1,2008 reporting on the case of Melios Park
Ref.2 Letter of the owner of a small dog to the Service of investigations against Police corruption in Cyprus, plus personal letter of the same owner.
Ref.3 Letters by volunteers from the shelter Hope for Homeless with 11,600 members
Ref.4 Letter of volunteers from the shelter Dog Valey with 4,525 members
Ref.5 Letter of volunteers from various stray cat colonies about cats (more than 100 cats per colony) with more than 4000 members.
Ref.6 Letter of the Cyprus Hunting Movement KKK with 7,500 members
Ref.7 Letter of volunteers from shelter K9 with 2800 members
Ref.8 Letter of volunteer Maria Mylona about cats
CC: To the President of The Cyprus Republic, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Justice, the President of the parliamentary environmental committee, the Animal Party of Cyprus
