An educational animal welfare initiative will bring schoolchildren into direct contact with companion animals in Paphos, aiming to raise awareness about responsible care, protection and animal welfare ahead of World Animal Day on 4 October.
The event, entitled “Getting to Know Companion Animals: Learning How to Care for Them”, is being jointly organised by the Office of the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Ierokipia Municipality and Paphos Municipality.
This year’s theme, “Seeing the World Through Their Eyes”, aims to help children better understand animals’ needs and recognise the importance of responsible ownership and protection.
Pupils to visit animal shelter
The event will take place on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, from 9am to 11am, at the C.A.P.C.A. (Cyprus Association for the Protection and Care of Animals) shelter in Acheleia, within Ierokipia Municipality.
Pupils and teachers from the 1st Primary School of Ierokipia and Paphos Primary School B, Demetrion, will participate.
Children will be given a tour of the shelter, learn about its work and receive information about the needs of companion animals.
They will also have the opportunity to meet animals housed at the shelter under the guidance and supervision of staff.
Through this interaction, pupils will be encouraged to ask questions and exchange thoughts and experiences about animal care, protection and welfare.
Focus on strays and responsible adoption
The initiative will also highlight issues surrounding stray and abandoned animals, responsible adoption and the importance of active community involvement in animal protection.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of volunteers and animal shelters, which contribute to the care and protection of animals on a daily basis.
Officials expected to attend
Those expected to attend include Environment and Animal Welfare Commissioner Ilias Myrianthous, Ierokipia Mayor Nikos Palios, Deputy Mayor Andreas Shikkis, acting Paphos Mayor Angelos Onisiforou, as well as municipal councillors.
The event is exclusively for the participating school groups and will not be open to the public.
Media coverage is intended to promote the message of World Animal Day and raise wider awareness of the need to protect companion animals, encourage responsible adoption and ensure their proper care.
