Local authorities in the Paphos district are accelerating efforts to establish a modern temporary shelter for stray dogs. Acting Mayor of Paphos, Angelos Onisiforou, confirmed that the project is being treated as a priority due to the lack of suitable existing facilities and the increasing scale of the stray animal population in the region.

This initiative follows a high-level meeting held in May 2026 at the Paphos Municipal Hall. The meeting was attended by the four mayors of the Paphos district, a representative from the Union of Communities of Paphos, and the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Antonia Theodosiou. Representatives from the animal welfare organization Simba Animal Aid, specifically Natasa Michaelidou and Alexandros Oriettas, were also present to discuss the necessity of the facility. Participants reached a consensus on the urgency of providing a centralized location that would serve all municipalities and communities within the district.

While the exact site for the shelter has not yet been finalized, officials are working intensively to complete the necessary administrative procedures. The Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare has indicated government interest in providing financial support for the project. Further decisions regarding the location and implementation timeline are expected to be announced as the consultation process concludes.