Veterinary authorities have confirmed that a kangaroo found dismembered in an apartment building car park in Deryneia was deliberately slaughtered, contradicting claims made by a detained suspect.
The autopsy findings have prompted investigators to search for the location where the illegal slaughter took place, as authorities continue to look for two other suspects connected to the case.
Christodoulos Pipis, director of Veterinary Services, told Philenews that the autopsy determined the animal was killed by slaughter, refuting the 36-year-old suspect’s claim that the kangaroo had died after fighting with another kangaroo.
“It is now part of the police investigation to determine where and who committed this act,” Pipis said. He added that violations of veterinary legislation would be included in the case file, noting that kangaroos, deer and camels at the farm in question had not been properly registered.
Police are still searching for a second foreign national who was present during the dismemberment and the driver of a pickup truck who allegedly helped transport the animal from a farm in Paralimni.
Authorities are investigating two possible scenarios: either the animal was slaughtered at the farm and later delivered dead to the suspects, or it was delivered alive and killed elsewhere.
Andreas Constantinou, spokesperson for Famagusta Police, said: “We are awaiting the forensic report, and our investigation will proceed accordingly. We continue to take statements.”
The case came to light last Tuesday when police received a report about two foreign nationals dismembering an animal in an apartment building car park. Officers found plastic bags containing kangaroo parts, an axe and five knives at the scene. The 36-year-old was arrested on site while the second suspect fled.
Upon being taken to Deryneia Police Station, it was discovered the suspect had been living illegally in Cyprus after his asylum application was rejected in 2022.
The detained man faces charges related to causing animal suffering, inflicting a horrific death on an animal, possession of an illegal animal, and illegal residence in the Republic.
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