Footage has surfaced of four men filmed throwing and kicking a sea turtle in Chlorakas, raising concerns about animal welfare and local practices. The incident, which occurred on a beach, reportedly involved employees of the Chlorakas community council.
According to philenews, the community council stated that the turtle was already deceased when the staff were directed to collect it for burial. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the men mishandling the turtle, leading to widespread outrage among locals and tourists alike.
A representative from the fisheries department was called to the scene to assess the situation. They confirmed that the turtle was dead and in an advanced state of decomposition, dispelling any initial concerns about its condition prior to being filmed.
In an effort to clarify the actions taken by the community council staff, a spokesperson explained that the turtle was placed on the ground to remove sand from its body before burial. This explanation, however, has done little to quell the public’s anger over the apparent treatment of the animal.
The local community council has since filed a report with the animal police, who are now investigating the incident further. The police have taken possession of the turtle’s body, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact time and cause of death.
It is important to note that sea turtles are protected by law in Cyprus, with legislation in place since 1971 to safeguard these creatures and their eggs. Cyprus is home to two species of sea turtles: the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), both of which nest on local beaches from May to July each year.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, has prompted discussions around the treatment of wildlife and the responsibilities of those working within community roles. As the investigation unfolds, many are left questioning the protocols in place for handling such situations in the future.