Incidents of dog abandonment and neglect have increased significantly, according to shelter volunteers who spoke to CNA. These issues are not confined to the summer months but persist throughout the year.

Monica Mitsidou, a volunteer at D.O.G. Rescue Cyprus, reported that while there have been some dog arrivals at the shelter this season, the situation is dire. Social media groups are flooded with posts from people who have found stray dogs or are looking for lost pets, with dozens of new cases reported daily.

Mitsidou noted that dog abandonment “gets worse every year.” She added that there has been a significant rise in stray dogs, not just due to abandonment. Many people leave their dogs with relatives, friends, or unattended in their yards while on vacation. The disruption in their routine often causes these dogs to escape in search of their families.

A significant issue contributing to the problem is the lack of microchipping, making it difficult to identify owners. Additionally, there are many uncontrolled litters because some owners refuse to neuter their dogs. Mitsidou explained that an unneutered dog can lead to dozens of litters. In some cases, shelter volunteers have even offered to cover the costs of neutering to encourage responsible pet ownership.

Mitsidou also highlighted that some people lose their dogs by allowing them to roam freely. “It’s a tragic situation,” she said, noting that dog adoptions have dramatically decreased. “We are stacking dogs,” she added.

When asked about overseas adoptions, Mitsidou explained that adoptions from the UK used to be a lifesaver for shelters but have sharply declined due to the complexities introduced by Brexit and the rising cost of living and veterinary care in Britain. It’s now much more expensive for someone in the UK to own a dog, especially if the animal has health issues. Additionally, dogs are being adopted in the UK from many other countries, including Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and several Asian nations.

Mitsidou also raised concerns about the illegal breeding and sale of dogs, including breeds banned in Cyprus since 2002 as dangerous. Despite the legislation, these breeds are still found across the island.

Shelters face numerous challenges, including a lack of resources and volunteers. Many dogs arriving at shelters suffer from health problems due to neglect, leading to costly treatments. Mitsidou stressed that the burden falls heavily on volunteers, many of whom are near the point of exhaustion. “It’s no longer a manageable problem,” she said, adding that while it’s joyful to see dogs placed in homes, adoptions have unfortunately diminished.

She emphasized the need for new legislation that has been under discussion for some time, which would impose fines on dog owners who neglect their responsibilities. “Unless this law is passed, nothing will change,” Mitsidou warned.

Constantina Constantinou of Saving Pound Dogs Cyprus (SPDC) echoed Mitsidou’s concerns, stating that the situation worsens each year. She also mentioned that passive animal abuse, such as depriving dogs of food and water or ignoring their welfare, is widespread. Constantinou recently took in three dogs with health issues within three days and noted that abandonments are not just a summer problem but also spike after hunting season, during holidays, and on long weekends. “We are facing a tsunami of dogs,” she said.

Constantinou criticised the lack of state intervention, saying, “The state isn’t doing anything. We’re doing it on our own.” She also pointed out that many people expect shelters or others to take action when they find abandoned or mistreated animals, rather than taking responsibility themselves.

She stressed the importance of pet owners ensuring their animals can be traced if lost. For example, a dog at the shelter for six months was eventually reunited with its owners only because an acquaintance recognised it. Although the dog was microchipped, the owner’s contact information was outdated. Normally, shelters can put dogs up for adoption after 15 days, but in this case, they waited because it seemed likely the dog had not been abandoned.

Constantinou also noted that certain breeds, like the Malinois, are frequently found in shelters. These dogs became popular due to videos showcasing their abilities, but many owners don’t realise the extensive training and exercise these dogs require.

To address the problem of dog abandonment and neglect, Constantinou suggested that authorities should conduct a comprehensive survey of the dog population in Cyprus, including registration status, living conditions and whether the dogs are neutered. She acknowledged that such a project might take three years but insisted it is necessary.

Education is also crucial, she added, pointing to Switzerland’s requirement for prospective pet owners to take courses and pass exams before acquiring a pet. “Our aim is not to send dogs abroad, but to make all of us who own animals responsible,” she emphasised.

Finally, Constantinou highlighted the financial strain on shelters, with rising costs for food, vaccines and other necessary supplies, coupled with a decrease in donations due to the economic situation.