Cyprus initiatives to control stray cat populations

On September 8, 2026, the Office of the Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare, led by Elias Myrianthos, held meetings with veterinary services to discuss the expansion of the nationwide cat neutering scheme. Scheduled for October, this expansion aims to better manage stray populations, with officials also considering mandatory microchipping for cats at the time of sterilization. Discussions further addressed the authorization of volunteers for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) operations and the integration of electronic dog registration systems.

In a separate development on September 9, the Animal Party of Cyprus met with the leadership of the Nicosia Central Prisons to address the overpopulation of approximately 50 to 60 cats within the facility. The proposed management model includes immediate sterilization, electronic identification, colony mapping, and controlled feeding. The Animal Party argues that the state bears the financial responsibility for these measures, proposing a tripartite cooperation model between the state, veterinary services, and welfare organizations to implement these solutions, which could eventually serve as a blueprint for other controlled facilities in the Republic.