Environment and Animal Welfare Commissioner Elias Myrianthous has announced that a report on licensed and unlicensed pet hotels is expected to be completed by early September, while identifying the expansion of animal shelters across Cyprus as a key challenge.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Myrianthous said his office is preparing a review of animal boarding facilities, particularly those catering for dogs, with the report expected to be ready during the first ten days of September.
Review of pet hotels
Responding to a CNA question, the commissioner said he discussed the issue on Tuesday with the veterinary officer seconded to the Office of the Commissioner for the Environment.
The official will prepare a report recording:
- The total number of pet hotels.
- The number of licensed facilities.
- The number of unlicensed facilities.
The aim is to establish a complete and documented picture of the sector to facilitate proper regulation of its operations.
Asked when the report would be completed, Myrianthous explained that the veterinary officer currently works at his office only one day per week until 1 September.
After that date, when she begins working there full-time, the report is expected to be completed within the first ten days of autumn.
Asked whether any complaints had been received regarding inadequate care of animals in pet hotels, Myrianthous said that since assuming office he has not received reports or complaints concerning animal abuse at boarding facilities or pet hotels.
Focus on animal shelters
When asked about the most pressing issue facing his office, the commissioner said animal shelters remain a major concern.
He noted that during his initial meetings with local authorities in Paphos, discussions focused on promoting the operation of an animal shelter in the district.
He added that discussions with the veterinary officer suggest similar challenges exist in other provinces.
According to Myrianthous, Nicosia municipality is in a comparatively better position regarding animal shelters, but ways must be found to coordinate all relevant authorities and services so that the construction and operation of shelters can move forward.
Broad animal welfare agenda
The commissioner said he is still in the process of being fully briefed on the issues under his responsibility.
However, he stressed that animal welfare covers a wide range of matters that affect both human and animal quality of life.
Source: CNA
