Animal welfare organisations and the Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation have strongly criticised the decision to euthanise three dogs in Limassol that attacked a young woman and two small children, denouncing the lack of transparent procedures and authorities’ inaction.
Rights For Animals Rescue Cyprus expressed “anger and deep disappointment” over how the case developed, alleging that despite repeated complaints about the specific dogs, the competent authorities did not act preventively.
The dogs had been roaming the area for some time and had been reported to police, veterinary services and local authorities.
The animal welfare organisation questions the legality and validity of the euthanasia decision, demanding answers made publicly on whether official assessment protocols were applied, whether officials possess necessary scientific training and whether separate evaluations were conducted for each dog.
The group also questioned why banned breeds such as Dogo Argentino remain present in the Republic of Cyprus.
According to available information, the incident did not result in serious injuries to the children – one was not injured whilst the other sustained superficial wounds – and the young woman was taken to the hospital without life-threatening injuries.
The organisation notes that “if the dogs were truly aggressive, the consequences would have been more serious”.
Ecologists’ criticism
The Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation has adopted a similar stance, characterising the euthanasia as a “rushed and ethically problematic approach”.
The party emphasises that once again animals are paying for human failures, attributing responsibility to the dogs’ owners and the state for their inability to control and prevent.
The movement raises questions about the animals’ origin – as these are breeds banned in Cyprus – and “calls on authorities to stop the practice of euthanasia as the first solution”.
Instead, it proposes creating infrastructure, reintegration programmes and strict supervision for breeding and keeping such dogs.
Organisations’ demands
Demands from the organisations and the party include:
- Immediate cancellation of the euthanasia
- Specialist and transparent assessment of animal behaviour
- Accountability for authorities’ inaction
- Strengthened controls on illegal importation and breeding of banned breeds
They emphasise that public safety protection and animal welfare are not conflicting concepts, calling on the state to establish mechanisms guaranteeing safety for all – bipeds and quadrupeds alike.
