The fence in Astromeritis-Akaki area to stop migrants crossing to the south from the north is a deathtrap for animals, the Cyprus Greens said on Thursday, demanding that it be removed immediately, in line with a cabinet decision taken two months ago.

The “infamous ‘Nouris’ fence” to prevent migrants from crossing to the south “has been deemed ineffective” and, according to a cabinet decision in October 2024, “it should have already been removed”, the Greens said in a press release.

“Two months have passed and the fence is still in its position. According to the information collected by the action group for animals, dozens of animals are becoming trapped in the fence and meet a tragic death,” the party said.

It added that “so far, dogs, cats, hares and many other animals, which are exposed to danger on a daily basis, have been found.”

“We demand the immediate removal of the deathtrap for the animals of the area,” the action group’s coordinator Anthi Mouzouri said in a written statement.

She added that it “is tragic that the fence remains in its place even two months after the decision to remove it, when so many deaths and possible injuries of animals are recorded.”

“The state, which decided that the fence does not serve its purpose anymore, should safeguard the protection of animals and prevent any more tragic deaths,” Mouzouri said.

The removal of the fence, the Greens said in their press release, was “a matter of urgent priority for the protection of wildlife and the preservation of the natural heritage of the area.”