The first regional dog shelter, serving the municipalities of Nicosia, is expected to be licensed by mid-2025, the Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare Antonia Theodosiou said on Thursday.

Speaking to CNA, Theodosiou emphasised her goal of engaging with shelters to address their challenges and prioritising dog spaying.

The decision to establish regional shelters managed by local authorities was first announced in 2019 with an 18-month timeline, which lapsed without progress. A renewed decision in 2022 allocated €1.5 million for five regional shelters across the districts and one in semi-mountainous areas.

However, by the end of 2024, none had been licensed.

The Nicosia shelter is now near completion, with plans to upgrade and expand an existing facility used by some Nicosia municipalities. Theodosiou visited the site with Strovolos municipality representatives, who are coordinating the licensing and tendering process. A meeting in early January will involve architects, municipal representatives, and shelter managers to finalise plans.

The commissioner acknowledged that while local authorities are legally required to maintain shelters and operate animal police units, progress has been slow. Licensing issues, such as securing permits, remain significant obstacles. However, she noted that licensed shelters would greatly improve stray dog management.

Theodosiou also discussed the importance of dog neutering, noting state grants and her office’s goal to evaluate and potentially increase funding for neutering. She emphasised that spaying is essential to controlling the stray population and aligns with demands from animal welfare organisations.

Regarding euthanasia, Theodosiou expressed her office’s opposition while acknowledging the challenge of managing the overwhelming number of stray dogs. Current legislation allows euthanasia if stray dogs are not reclaimed or adopted within two weeks. Theodosiou stressed the importance of alternative solutions, including mandatory microchipping and owner registration.

Theodosiou clarified that her role is advisory, focusing on recommending policy changes and promoting best practices, without replacing veterinary services or the agriculture ministry.