A new shelter for stray animals in Paphos is expected to open in 2027, with its location and the procedures involving central and local government now agreed, according to information obtained by Phileleftheros.
Sources said officials are expected to make announcements within the next few weeks, following months of work to address the growing problem of stray animals across Paphos district.
Efforts have accelerated since the appointment of Elias Myrianthous as Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare. Myrianthous, who is from Paphos, has been personally involved in the issue and has held regular discussions with local authorities.
Acting Paphos mayor Angelos Onisiforou confirmed to Phileleftheros that work had progressed rapidly over the summer as the problem became increasingly pressing.
Discussions began to take shape last May, when a meeting was held at Paphos Town Hall involving the four mayors of Paphos district, a representative of the Paphos Union of Communities and former Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare Antonia Theodosiou.
Natasa Michaelidou and Alexandros Orietta, representing the animal welfare organisation Simba Animal Aid, also attended.
The meeting, followed by further discussions after Myrianthous took office, confirmed support for establishing a modern temporary shelter for stray animals that would serve all municipalities and communities across Paphos district.
Onisiforou said he was confident the project was nearing completion and that the shelter would begin operating during 2027.
