Serious concerns and intense worries have been expressed in recent weeks due to the possible indictment of Cyprus regarding the training of hunting dogs during the breeding period of game and protected species of wildlife.
Cyprus appears to be the European Union member state with the longest duration of training excursions for hunting dogs, even during the sensitive breeding period of wildlife, especially bird species.
All this despite the existence of scientific studies demonstrating the significant and negative impacts of this particular activity on wildlife.
It is noted that in Greece, the areas for training hunting dogs have been drastically restricted, while in some other European countries, training of hunting dogs is completely prohibited during the breeding period.
However, over the past decade, there have been intolerable pressures on the competent authorities from organized groups, mainly informal traders and trainers of hunting dogs, aiming at expanding existing or even declaring new areas for training hunting dogs at a national level.
These interest groups invoke animal welfare sentiments and exert excessive pressure on the competent authorities to grant larger areas for training hunting dogs, while in the recent past, demonstrations have even been staged by specific bodies aiming at undermining the authorities and satisfying their scientifically unfounded demands.
In some cases, the competent authorities have indeed yielded to intense pressures and political directives, resulting in these specific interest groups becoming emboldened and exerting even more pressure.
Recently, these groups have organized protest events demanding the legalization of hunting dog training throughout the country and throughout the year.
It is noted that Cyprus appears to be the only EU member state where hunting dogs are trained on live game during the breeding period in their natural environment. Essentially, hunting dog training takes place throughout the year, with only some months having restrictions and certain areas being prohibited.
According to the current legal framework, 6,000 licenses for training hunting dogs are granted during the breeding period, with a maximum limit of 4 hunting dogs per issued license and per training session.
However, in reality, few seem to respect the existing legislation, while cases are recorded of individuals accompanying dozens of dogs on each training outing.
The undisclosed turnover from the trade of hunting dogs by informal traders is estimated to amount to millions of euros, while the training and sale of hunting dogs constitute a profitable activity for individuals who pursue it as a second profession.
Moreover, there are even cases where informal trainers of hunting dogs are declared unemployed and recipients of benefits.
