Arrest after man reports dog was killed (updated)

A 32-year-old man has been arrested to help police with enquiries after a dog was killed at a house in the Larnaca district.

According to police, a resident in the district reported that on Saturday his son in law heard a gunshot and immediately afterwards the cry of a dog. He then saw the 32-year-old go into his house holding a gun.

The dog returned to the field of the complainant, who recognised it as his own, where it then died.

Police who went to the seen took the dog for an autopsy to be carried out.

As part of police inquiries a warrant was issued against the 32-year-old who was later arrested.

A search of his house found two hunting guns and a bag of pellets, which were taken as evidence.

The Animal Party later on Sunday said the incident was “appalling”.

“We have repeated many times that people who abuse or kill animals are dangerous to society. The moment they commit such criminal acts towards animals they will not hesitate to do harm even to humans,” the Animal Party’s coordinator of the group for animal welfare Anthi Mouzouri said.

“The case of the murder of a dog in the Larnaca district is indicative of the view of some that dogs and animals in general have no value or soul. We call on the police to complete their investigations soon and to take the case to court,” she added.

The punishment must act as a deterrent to any other person who thinks he can commit such a heinous crime and escape with only a fine, the party concluded.