The government will allocate €100,000 for the spaying and neutering of dogs, as well as €150,000 in a grant for the creation of a dog shelter in Nicosia, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said.
Additionally, the state budget for spaying and neutering cats will triple from the current €100,000 to €300,000.
Panayiotou stressed that on World Animal Day, the ministry has made “three important decisions”. She referred to a €100,000 grant for the spaying and neutering of dogs, noting that “it is the first time that a separate amount has been given exclusively for this purpose."
The second decision concerns the tripling of the budget for cat neutering, from €100,000 to €300,000, satisfying, she said, a request by both volunteers and organisations, “which has been heard”.
The minister also announced that her ministry has received a request for the creation of a regional temporary dog shelter in Paliometocho, submitted by the municipalities of Strovolos, Nicosia and Lakatamia. “We will provide a €150,000-grant for the needs of the shelter”, she said, describing this as “a very important development”.
Responding to a question about animal abuse, the minister underlined that the purpose of organising such events is to raise awareness and inform the public. Addressing such behaviours requires synergies and cooperation from everyone, she said, adding that “we must always highlight the aspect of individual responsibility.”
Referring to the government's initiatives, Panayiotou emphasised that “we are implementing the actions included in the government programme and enriching them according to the needs that arise.” She recalled that the government expanded the role of the Office of the Environmental Commissioner last year, including the aspect of animal welfare.
She added that “the effort continues,” indicating other actions such as the increase in funds for neutering and spaying, and the amendments to the legislative framework currently in Parliament, among other things.
CNA