A group of hunters will protest outside the Presidential Palace on Saturday against new regulations on hunting dog training areas and periods, agreed between the Game and Fauna Service and the Cyprus Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Federation (CHWCF).
The disputed agreement, which sets the framework for hunting dog training in 2025, has drawn criticism from hunters who advocate for year-round dog training practices, which officials say masks a significant black market in hunting dogs and contravenes EU bird directives and national legislation.
The Game and Fauna Service allocated specific areas and periods for dog training to accommodate hunters’ interests whilst minimising impact on wildlife, despite previous concerns from the European Commission about potential infringement procedures against Cyprus.
This year’s training periods were established following CHWCF recommendations, including a complete ban during the main wildlife breeding season from March to May, which has become a focal point of protest organisers.
Officials report that Cyprus currently has approximately 40,000 licensed hunters using more than 40,000 hunting dogs, creating significant pressure on wildlife populations. The situation is further complicated by poaching activities and habitat degradation.
The protesters, who will gather at the GSP parking area at 1300 local time before proceeding to the Presidential Palace at 1330, have issued six demands, including new wildlife management plans and stricter anti-poaching measures.
The Game and Fauna Service warns that wildlife management faces complex challenges, citing climate change, urban development, and intensive hunting practices as factors affecting game populations.
Officials emphasise that these issues cannot be resolved simply by releasing more game animals, contrary to some hunters’ beliefs.
(Reporting from Nicosia)
