Police are investigating a case concerning animal abuse following the discovery of a dead turtle in Paphos and the release of a video showing four men torturing the animal.
Four people were arrested as part of the investigation, whilst examinations continue by the police, with the circumstances and cause of the turtle’s death being investigated.
The investigation began after police received a complaint around 1.30 pm on Monday (12 January) about turtle abuse in a coastal area in the Paphos district by several people.
Police officers went to the area for examinations. From searches in the wider area, evidence emerged about the identity of the people concerned. They were located at their workplace, where the dead turtle was also found and seized by police for investigation purposes.
Phileleftheros published the video of the incident yesterday.
Chlorakas Community Council statement on employee involvement
The Chlorakas Community Council has expressed regret over the turtle abuse case being investigated by Paphos police, in which council employees are reportedly involved.
In an announcement, the Chlorakas Community Council said such practices do not align with its principles, values and way of operating.
It noted that, according to the standard practice followed by Chlorakas Community Council in cases of dead animal discoveries, employees went to the area to remove a turtle which was believed to be dead.
The council said it will await the completion of police investigations as well as the results of scientific examinations by the competent departments.
Subsequently, it will look into this serious incident, examining the possibility of disciplinary offences if these emerge from the findings, the announcement concluded.
