The situation has become unbearable in several Strovolos neighbourhoods, where irresponsible dog owners fail to clean up after their pets on pavements and other public or private spaces, causing nuisance to residents and posing public health and safety risks.
In recent weeks, Strovolos municipality sent letters to dog owners in areas where the problem is particularly acute, warning that following complaints, on-site inspections will be carried out on specific streets and all measures provided by law will be taken.
The municipality has received 48 complaints about the issue so far in 2025.
The problem occurs in various areas, both on public roads and vacant plots as well as in green spaces and parks, even when special bins for dog waste are installed, the municipality said.
The Public Health and Sanitation Department carries out daily on-site inspections in all neighbourhoods based on complaints received.
Residents who spoke to Phileleftheros expressed their frustration with the situation, saying they find waste even outside their homes. Dog droppings have been spotted several times outside Agia Marina Primary School.
“It’s infuriating and unhygienic not to be able to walk on pavements because some irresponsible people don’t pick up their dogs’ waste. They create a bad image for the rest of the dog owners who are conscientious and think about the environment, their fellow citizens and their neighbourhood. There are also those who let their dogs roam free, with the result that the dogs defecate wherever they find,” a resident of Agia Eleni said.
A resident of Kanari Street said: “Every day we find dog waste on the pavements and in our neighbourhoods. It’s a matter of respect and public health – we simply ask owners to fulfil their obligations. We live in a beautiful neighbourhood; at least let us have a clean and safe environment for us and our children”.
“Many dog owners resort to open spaces, fields and wasteland where they let their dogs defecate, thinking it’s okay not to pick it up. Even around the town hall you can find waste,” a resident in the Stavrou area said.
Dog waste carries pathogens and parasites dangerous to humans and animals. It poses a particular risk to children and vulnerable groups who may come into contact with contaminated soil or carry germs home through their shoes.
It also causes health and environmental nuisance, contributing to foul odours and unsanitary conditions, whilst attracting flies and rodents.
The municipality’s Public Health Department carries out on-site inspections following information from residents. If people who create a nuisance by not picking up their dogs’ droppings are identified, fines can be imposed under the legislation.
Penalties can be imposed on any person who keeps a dog without a licence or an unregistered and unmarked dog, keeps a dog in violation of the law, attempts to deceive authorities in the registration or control of dogs, abandons their dog or fails to take appropriate measures to prevent its escape, or allows their dog to cause noise through loud and continuous barking, pollute any area with faeces without collecting them, or roam freely in a public road or any public place without being on a lead.
The set fine for walking a dog in a public place in a manner that causes nuisance and for keeping a dog without a licence is €35.
“Imposing fines is not an end in itself, however, the message must get through that we must respect our city and our fellow citizens,” the municipality stressed, whilst recognising that the penalties provided by law are not deterrent.
Strovolos mayor Stavros Stavrinides will propose increasing penalties to ensure greater compliance with current legislation.
The municipality carries out various information and awareness programmes for dog owners, both through the distribution of relevant printed announcements and through social media and its website.
Special bins for animal waste have been installed in various public spaces. There are 134 bins throughout the municipality at various points.
All dog owners are advised to always keep their dog on a lead and carry a small shovel and bags during walks to pick up all droppings.
It was also found that several dog owners have not obtained or renewed their dog licence from the competent authority as provided by the Dogs Law, N. 184(I)/2002. Dog owners who have not yet obtained or renewed the necessary dog licence are called upon to do so.
