Cyprus's Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare, Ilias Myrianthous, is examining an expansion of th island-wide cat sterilisation scheme from October, with the aim of strengthening population control efforts for stray cats. The Office is also considering whether cats sterilised under the scheme could be microchipped at the same time. The plans emerged from a meeting between the Commissioner and representatives of the Veterinary Services, which covered a broad range of animal welfare issues.
Expanding the sterilisation scheme
According to the Commissioner's Office, it will examine the possibility of securing additional resources, beyond the existing budget allocation, to allow the island-wide cat sterilisation scheme to be expanded in October. The timing is linked to World Animal Day. Alongside the expansion, the Office will also look at introducing simultaneous microchipping for cats sterilised through the scheme.
Authorising volunteers for TNR work
A further development discussed was an agreement to advance the process of authorising volunteers to carry out TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) actions through the Veterinary Services, following requests from animal welfare organisations. This will build on arrangements previously agreed at an earlier meeting between the Commissioner and the Director of Veterinary Services.
Linking dog registration systems
The meeting also addressed the need to accelerate the linking of the Veterinary Services' electronic dog registration system with the electronic platform of the Game and Fauna Service. The stated aim is to simplify the annual issuing of hunting licences and the registration of hunting dogs. The Commissioner's Office said it expects to assist with the technical work needed to connect the two systems.
Temporary shelter facilities
Particular attention was given to the need to create regional temporary shelter facilities for stray animals. The Commissioner's Office and the Veterinary Services said they would support local authorities in this effort, including in making use of the relevant 2024–2029 budget allocation. The possibility of establishing smaller-capacity facilities to serve individual community needs will also be examined.
Wider agenda and next steps
Other matters raised at the meeting included checks on dog microchipping compliance, the management of abandoned animals, and issues relating to animal shelters and cat and dog boarding facilities. The Commissioner's Office and the Veterinary Services agreed to maintain ongoing coordination to monitor implementation of the measures discussed and to advance the actions needed to protect animal welfare.
