A case of alleged animal abuse is under police investigation after a dog was found shot and seriously injured in the Nicosia district.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday in the Pera Chorio area of Nisou, was brought to public attention on Friday by the Ecologists, which described the act as a “serious incident of violence against a defenceless animal”.

According to the report, the dog, named ‘Maili’, was discovered with gunshot wounds and immediately transported to a veterinarian, where it is presently receiving treatment.

A formal complaint has been filed with police, and investigations are ongoing at the local station.

Information available to authorities indicates that a suspect has already been identified.

The party called for “the immediate and in-depth investigation of the case”.

Animal action group coordinator, Anthi Mouzouri, said such incidents must be addressed firmly.

“Animal abuse is a serious social problem and an indication of dangerous behaviour that cannot be tolerated in a law-abiding society,” she said, adding that acts of this nature “cannot and should not go unpunished”.

The case has also drawn attention from the dog’s guardian, who has appealed to the public for information that could assist authorities.

The appeal, circulated on social media, urges anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward.

Police have not released further details on the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the shooting but confirmed that the investigation remains active.