A major campaign to sterilise stray cats is being launched by Limassol Municipality in an effort to curb the growing number of animals living on the streets.
For the first time, the municipal council has approved a dedicated budget of €40,000 for this purpose, a sum far higher than in previous years, when only a limited number of sterilisations were carried out.
Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis described the initiative as a coordinated attempt to manage the population of stray cats, with the aim of gradually reducing their numbers, improving animal welfare and safeguarding public health. The action forms part of the municipality’s broader policy on animals and follows the establishment, in 2024, of the Limassol Municipality Animal Welfare Committee.
Targeted campaign in high-pressure areas
The programme, drawn up in consultation with volunteer groups, provides for a specific procedure and focuses on areas where the problem is currently most acute.
The goal is to complete 700 sterilisations within six months, starting immediately. These include 450 female and 240 male cats, with efforts concentrated in three parts of the municipality: the historic city centre, the Vathkia area and Garyllis park.
Armeftis reiterated his belief that “a city that respects its animals is a city that respects its people as well”.
Partnership with vets and animal welfare groups
The sterilisation drive will be implemented with the help of volunteers, the support of animal welfare organisations and the cooperation of four private-sector veterinarians.
The head of the Cyprus Veterinary Association, Dimitris Epameinonda, welcomed the initiative, noting that “the issue of stray animals in Cyprus’ cities requires a comprehensive effort”.
“The effort by Limassol Municipality includes an integrated approach and we are confident that it will deliver significant results,” he said. “These actions will always be backed by the scientific community of veterinarians, and we hope that other municipalities will follow Limassol’s example.”
The president of the Limassol Municipality Animal Welfare Committee, Stalo Stefanou, stressed that “the responsibility is ours and it lies in proper information, prevention and protection. Every animal deserves respect, protection and a life with dignity.”
How the volunteer scheme will work
Details of the programme were presented by the head of Limassol Municipality’s Health Service, Phanos Panayi. He explained that its implementation depends on cooperation with volunteers, who will receive a special coupon from the municipal Health Service.
Using this coupon, volunteers will be able to take cats to the collaborating veterinarians for sterilisation and then return them to their original locations. Through this process, the municipality also hopes to make an initial mapping of the stray cat population and identify where further sterilisations will be needed.
Volunteers can register with the municipal system through a dedicated online page created by the municipality for this purpose.