Green party calls for national plan to tackle stray animal crisis

The Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation (Green Party) officially requested on October 20, 2026, that the government implement a comprehensive national action plan to address the growing issue of stray animals in Cyprus. This call for action follows a series of incidents in Kornos, Kofinou, and Anglisides, where several dogs were struck and killed by vehicles on public roads.

The party emphasized that these accidents reflect a broader culture of irresponsible pet ownership and the abandonment of animals. To mitigate the crisis, the Ecologists proposed the establishment of a state-managed register of pet owners that undergoes regular updates and inspections. They are also advocating for systemic microchip verification to ensure accountability, alongside the introduction of stricter penalties for owners who abandon their pets. Furthermore, the party demanded increased funding for organized neutering programs, improved state support for animal shelters, and more robust legal enforcement to move beyond mere traffic warnings for drivers.

This initiative highlights ongoing concerns regarding animal welfare policies in Cyprus. The party argues that current measures are insufficient, noting that animals are frequently acquired without responsibility and discarded when they become inconvenient, leaving them vulnerable to abuse, starvation, and traffic accidents. The government has yet to respond to these specific policy demands.