Cyprus officials discuss improvements in hunting dog management and animal welfare

On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Ilias Myrianthous, met with representatives from the Game and Fauna Service to address critical issues regarding the identification and welfare of hunting dogs in Cyprus. The meeting included the Head of the Game and Fauna Service, Pantelis Hatzigerou, along with senior officials Petros Anagiotis and Panikos Panagidis.

The discussions focused on strengthening the enforcement of microchip identification for all dogs accompanying licensed hunters and the standardized use of approved traps for capturing stray animals. A significant portion of the dialogue centered on the need to encourage hunters to spay their dogs to prevent uncontrolled breeding, which is a major contributor to the abandonment of animals. Furthermore, authorities emphasized the necessity of integrating existing electronic record-keeping systems to improve inter-agency cooperation.

The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize animal management protocols and curb the abandonment of hunting dogs. By aligning the digital infrastructure and promoting sterilization, the authorities aim to better regulate the population and improve animal welfare standards throughout the country.