Cypriot government plans animal welfare initiatives in Paphos

The Cypriot government has announced an allocation of 250,000 euros for the construction of a modern animal shelter in the Paphos district. Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Elias Myrianthous, stated that the project aims to be completed within 18 months, before the end of his term. The initiative seeks to provide a permanent solution to the management of stray animals, as current local infrastructure in Paphos municipalities remains insufficient and largely reliant on private or voluntary efforts. An initial plan to locate the shelter on state land in Anarita was suspended following strong opposition from local authorities and the Paphos community union.

Separately, Commissioner Myrianthous is preparing a report on animal hotels, focusing on dogs, expected to be finalized by early September. This report will document licensed and unlicensed facilities to improve regulatory oversight. Meanwhile, the Animal Party of Cyprus has criticized the government’s focus on building new shelters, which involves a total budget of approximately 2.75 million euros for five regional facilities. The party advocates instead for nationwide pet registration, mandatory microchipping, and comprehensive sterilization programs to prevent abandonment rather than expanding housing for stray animals.