Four cases of dog and fox poisonings have been recorded in recent months at Britain’s Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) of Akrotiri and Episkopi, base officials have confirmed.
All incidents occurred within Special Protection Areas and Special Conservation Zones, raising concerns about threats to wildlife, particularly protected bird species, according to the SBA Environmental Department.
Most recent cases were discovered through joint operations between SBA authorities and the Republic of Cyprus, with poisoned bait detected in one instance by the Game and Fauna Service’s Anti-Poison Dog Unit.
SBA Senior Environmental Officer Alexia Perdiou explained the dangers, saying: “The use of poison can have devastating effects on species like vultures that feed on animal carcasses and can be affected by secondary poisoning“.
She suggested the incidents might stem from shepherd conflicts with foxes or rivalries between those illegally training dogs in affected areas.
The SBA police are investigating the incidents, with evidence sent to the Republic’s State Laboratory for toxicological analysis.
Authorities have launched intensive campaigns against illegal hunting-dog training, with regular patrols by the Anti-Poison Dog Unit.
Offenders face a €300 fixed penalty or, upon conviction, up to two years imprisonment or fines up to €3,417. The public can report incidents to the SBA Police on 1443 or make anonymous reports on 97720883.
