Cyprus animal welfare groups suspend stray cat sterilization programs

The Cyprus Voice for Animals (CVA) federation announced an indefinite suspension of all trap-neuter-release (TNR) programs for stray cats as of June 8, 2026. This decision follows reported months of harassment, verbal abuse, threats, and physical attacks against volunteers. Volunteers, who often fund sterilization efforts personally, report being obstructed by members of the public and occasionally detained by police, such as in one instance where they were forced to release five trapped cats. Tensions reportedly escalated following February 2026 allegations regarding the removal of cats from a supermarket in Latsia, which some locals labeled as cat theft. CVA is demanding official authorization cards from the Ministry of Agriculture, headed by Maria Panayiotou, to clearly define their legal status and ensure volunteer protection. Without these safeguards, the groups argue they cannot continue their work, which typically involves approximately 100 sterilizations per week. They warn that the suspension will likely lead to uncontrolled stray breeding and increased animal suffering, ultimately placing a burden on local municipalities.