Widespread reports of missing cats — particularly sterilised and domesticated animals — have caused concern among pet owners and animal welfare organisations across Cyprus.
According to complaints, cats have disappeared from private yards and public spaces in Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. The cases are under investigation by the Police.
On Monday, the Cat Protection and Welfare Association asked the Veterinary Services to suspend all cat export licences until the police investigation is completed. However, this was not possible, as the association was informed that a court order would be required.
The issue is expected to be discussed in detail on Wednesday at the House Environment Committee, with all relevant authorities due to attend.
Association president Dinos Agiomamitis said similar incidents had been recorded several years ago, “but not on such a large scale as today”. He said the organisation believes an organised ring may be operating and that specific information has been submitted to the Police.
“The case is under investigation,” Police said in response to queries.
Details submitted to police
Agiomamitis said that following official complaints from pet owners and volunteers, as well as numerous posts on social media, the association provided the Animal Police with names, vehicle registration numbers based on eyewitness reports, and photographs allegedly showing individuals capturing cats.
He said there are suspicions that the animals are being exported. For that reason, the association sought the suspension of export permits. “I am aware of a flight on 27 February, and I have no doubt that there will be an attempt to place cats on it,” he said.
Alleged criminal offences
Agiomamitis stressed that, given the volume of complaints and the need to protect citizens who have lost their pets, the authorities must not ignore the matter.
“First of all, legislation is clearly being violated. No one can indiscriminately seize cats from a location — such as a square, park or feeding area — and remove them elsewhere, unless they are being transferred to a shelter. Once a cat recovers from the shock, it will attempt to return, risking death from passing vehicles, stray dogs or poisoning. That is why these laws exist. Criminal offences are being committed. It is not merely a matter of breaches of the Animal Protection and Welfare Law,” he said.
He added that the Animal Police are understaffed, with just 15 officers covering the whole of Cyprus, limiting their ability to respond effectively. He called on the wider Police force and the Ministries of Interior and Agriculture to take action.
Supermarket car park case
The association also criticised the handling of a specific complaint involving the alleged removal of sterilised cats from a supermarket car park in Latsia. The cats had reportedly lived there for years and were cared for daily by volunteers.
According to the complaint, a woman trapped the cats and placed them in her vehicle. The vehicle’s details were passed to the Animal Police. The suspect allegedly claimed she had taken the animals to a veterinarian after believing they were unwell and had later returned them, although she did not name the clinic and reportedly said she could not remember it.
Agiomamitis said the Animal Police contacted the woman by telephone and accepted her explanation without further investigation. Volunteers insist the cats were never returned. Following public pressure and multiple complaints, Police said last week they reviewed the supermarket’s CCTV footage and identified a woman as a suspect, who was called to give a statement.
Targeting sterilised and domesticated cats
Complaints concern both owned and stray animals, with sterilised cats - identifiable by ear markings - and tame animals said to be specifically targeted.
“They choose sterilised animals because, if they intend to send them abroad as pets, they avoid sterilisation costs, particularly for females. They also want domesticated cats, because no one overseas would adopt a feral animal,” Agiomamitis said.
As for the reasons behind exports, he said adoption is one factor, but there are also suspicions relating to demand for cat fur in certain countries and the use of cats in scientific experiments. “There are many reasons for exporting cats. It is not only for adoption. That is why there is demand and large sums of money involved,” he said, adding that a cat can sell abroad for between €400 and €500.