Animal Party to protest against dog law amendments in Cyprus

The Animal Party of Cyprus has announced a demonstration scheduled for Saturday at 11:00 am outside the Parliament building. The protest concerns recent legislative amendments to the 2002 Dogs Law, which the party claims were modified to satisfy requests from the Hunting Federation and the United Cypriot Hunters Movement. According to the organizers, these changes undermine decade-long efforts to implement stricter controls on dog ownership, breeding, and abandonment. The party cites data suggesting over 200,000 dogs are abandoned annually, with fewer than 15,000 being successfully rehomed or sheltered. Participants argue that local authorities have failed to enforce the 2002 legislation, contributing to a crisis affecting animal welfare, public health, and the economy. The demonstration is a critique of what the party describes as the prioritization of political party interests over public and animal welfare. The government has not yet provided a formal response to these specific allegations regarding the legislative process.