Melios Pet Center denies claims of misrepresenting big cats

On October 13, 2026, Melios Pet Center formally rejected allegations made by the Director of Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, who claimed the company had registered jaguars and lions as ordinary cats. To support its defense, the company released documentation, including official correspondence with European state officials, asserting that the animals were correctly identified upon their arrival at the company's facilities.

Furthermore, the center highlighted a past legal victory concerning animals imported from the Netherlands that were confiscated and euthanized by the Game and Fauna Service. In that case, a court ruled in favor of Melios Pet Center, ordering the payment of 1,200 euros plus interest and litigation costs. The company maintains that the animals in question were declared legally and criticized the lack of accountability for the officials involved in their previous seizure.

These public statements serve as a rebuttal to ongoing regulatory scrutiny. The company maintains that all legal requirements were met and continues to dispute the findings presented by the Veterinary Services department, emphasizing its adherence to established procedures for exotic animal transit.