A 77-year-old woman is standing trial at Limassol District Court on 13 counts of animal cruelty after authorities discovered 11 dogs living in deplorable conditions at her properties.
State veterinary officer Konstantinos Economides testified that three dogs were initially found in July 2020 following a report to police. The animals were severely dehydrated and suffering from chronic conditions and leg wounds, with one dog bedridden. Despite immediate veterinary intervention, one dog died shortly after rescue.
Economides described how the dogs were kept in a poorly ventilated building with glass windows during August’s high temperatures, without access to water or food. Two dogs were found locked in a bathroom.
A subsequent police search of the defendant’s nearby residence uncovered eight more dogs in similarly dire conditions. All rescued animals suffered from multiple ailments including parasites, anaemia, leishmaniasis, and skin diseases, according to court testimony.
The defence counsel has requested time to review new evidence presented during the hearing.
(File photo)
