MVP

Tag: veterinary services

  • Foot-and-mouth disease — Foot-and-Mouth Disease Precautions Implemented at Key Crossing Points

    Foot-and-mouth disease — Foot-and-Mouth Disease Precautions Implemented at Key Crossing Points

    Foot-and-mouth disease precautions have been introduced at the Pergamos and Strovilia crossing points to mitigate the risk of an outbreak after cases were reported in the north earlier this week.

    • Foot-and-mouth disease precautions have been introduced at the Pergamos and Strovilia crossing points to mitigate the risk of an outbreak after cases were reported in the north earlier this week.
    • Importantly, while foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious among animals, it poses no threat to human health.

    On Friday, officials from the British bases announced that precautionary disinfection measures were being enacted at these crossing points. Mark Hartley, head of customs and immigration, stated, “We are taking swift and responsible action. By working closely with the Republic of Cyprus veterinary services, we are doing everything possible to support our partners and keep everyone safe while maintaining smooth operations at crossing points.”

    The disinfection measures include the establishment of dedicated facilities for cleaning and a prohibition on the crossing of animal products. These steps were taken at the request of Cyprus veterinary services to safeguard both animal and public health.

    Reports of the disease first emerged from the Cyprus Turkish veterinarians’ association on Monday, noting a confirmed outbreak at a farm in Ayios Sergios, located in the Famagusta district. The association assured that “all necessary measures will be taken and implemented,” including quarantining and vaccinating affected animals, disinfecting the farm and related facilities, and restricting animal movement.

    Further developments were confirmed on Tuesday by Ankara’s Foot and Mouth Research Institute, which identified four additional cases at a livestock unit in Lapithos in the north. In response, Huseyin Cavus, the agriculture minister for the north, announced a quarantine of the affected area and a ban on animal movement. He indicated that about 13,000 animals—comprising cattle, sheep, and goats—would be vaccinated to prevent further spread of the disease.

    As of now, no cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been reported in the British bases or in the southern part of Cyprus. This viral disease primarily affects livestock, including cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep. While infected animals often recover, they may suffer from weight loss and reduced productivity in terms of milk and meat.

    Importantly, while foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious among animals, it poses no threat to human health.

  • Dog bit: Police to Investigate Owners of Dog That Bit Girl in Foini

    Dog bit: Police to Investigate Owners of Dog That Bit Girl in Foini

    dog bit — The owners of the dog that bit a 2-year-old girl in Foini village will be reported to the police following the incident that occurred on Sunday.

    • dog bit — The owners of the dog that bit a 2-year-old girl in Foini village will be reported to the police following the incident that occurred on Sunday.

    The dog, identified as a Pitbull, has undergone two examinations by veterinary services, which have confirmed that it will not be euthanised. Despite the breed being banned, Limassol senior veterinary department officer Constantinos Economides stated that the incident appears to be isolated, noting that the dog did not show aggressive tendencies.

    “This is an isolated incident, as it did not exhibit aggressive tendencies,” Economides explained. He further emphasised that any dog could display aggression under certain circumstances, indicating that the behaviour of pets can vary based on their environment and treatment.

    Following the incident, the decision was made to return the dog to its owners, who now face police reporting for alleged negligent acts. The authorities are expected to investigate the matter further to ensure the safety of the community.

  • Legality of Limassol’s Two-Dog Rule Under Scrutiny

    Legality of Limassol’s Two-Dog Rule Under Scrutiny

    The legality of Limassol’s two-dog rule is now being questioned following a statement from the top veterinary official, indicating a lack of clear legal framework for such a regulation.

    • The legality of Limassol's two-dog rule is now being questioned following a statement from the top veterinary official, indicating a lack of clear legal framework for such a regulation.
    • As the community awaits the ombudswoman’s report, the future of many families’ pets remains uncertain, and the potential for unrest looms large in Limassol.

    Two-dog rule: Controversial Regulation Faces Backlash

    In the Amathus area of Limassol, a new rule that limits households to two dogs has sparked significant debate. Approved by the municipal council, the regulation is scheduled for enforcement starting September 1. However, it has come under fire due to concerns about its legal standing and potential impact on pet owners.

    Veterinary Director Weighs In

    Christodoulos Pippis, the director of veterinary services at the agriculture ministry, expressed his concerns during an interview with the Cyprus Mail. He stated, “There is no clear legal framework in place. To my knowledge, nothing explicitly allows or forbids this measure.” His comments highlight the uncertainty surrounding the council’s authority to impose such restrictions on pet ownership.

    Voices of Concern from Residents

    Residents in Ayios Tychonas, particularly those who own more than two dogs, have voiced their frustrations. Aggeliki, a local mother of three, explained, “Our dogs are not a nuisance. They are part of our family. The idea that we should now give two away is just cruel. It would feel like a death, a great loss for them.”

    Many pet owners feel the regulation is not just unfair, but that it could also lead to unnecessary suffering for their beloved pets. A retired engineer named Vasilis shared his perspective, questioning the logic behind the rule: “They’ve already suffered once. Why should they suffer again because of a vague council rule that isn’t even legal?”

    Mayor Defends the Measure

    Amathus mayor Kyriakos Xydias has defended the decision to implement the two-dog rule, citing a high volume of complaints from residents. He stated, “It is not possible in residential areas to have an uncontrolled number of animals, especially dogs.” The mayor acknowledged the challenges of managing multiple dogs in apartment buildings, which can lead to disturbances.

    Concerns Over Enforcement and Compliance

    Despite the mayor’s assertions, questions remain about the enforcement of the new regulation. Xydias mentioned that the rule applies strictly to dogs and does not extend to other pets, such as cats, which he described as “more independent”. The mayor’s comments raise further questions about the fairness of targeting dog owners while other animal owners may face no such restrictions.

    Additionally, there is concern about how local shelters will manage an influx of surrendered pets should the regulation be enforced. Xydias noted, “If someone has four dogs and they are not registered, they are already illegal.” This statement has prompted residents to worry about the potential consequences for those who do not comply.

    Community Action and Legal Review

    The backlash against the two-dog rule has led to a formal complaint being lodged with the Cyprus ombudswoman. Residents are calling for a thorough review of the rule’s legality and its compliance with both Cypriot law and EU animal welfare standards. They argue that the absence of transitional measures could force many families to surrender their pets, increasing the number of strays and placing additional strain on shelters.

    Animal Welfare Advocates Speak Out

    Lia Stylianou, a former president of Dog Rescue Valley, voiced her disapproval of the regulation, describing it as “pointless” and “ineffective”. She stated, “The stray problem won’t be solved by restricting the number of pets a person can keep at home. How will reducing owned animals help reduce stray ones? It’s absurd.”

    Stylianou believes that the focus should shift to enforcing existing laws and improving conditions at shelters rather than punishing responsible pet owners. She highlighted the inconsistency in enforcement, noting that her own dogs are well cared for, while she has a neighbour whose single dog causes disturbances.

    Legal Recourse for Pet Owners

    Pippis emphasised that animal abandonment is prohibited by law, suggesting that residents have the right to challenge the municipal council’s decision in court if they believe it contravenes their rights. He stated, “If a municipal council issues a decision, the public has the right to challenge it in court, within the framework of the Constitution.”

    Awaiting the Ombudswoman’s Decision

    Maria Stylianou Lottides, the ombudswoman, confirmed that her office is reviewing the measure and that they will intervene if issues relating to human rights or equal treatment arise. The residents’ concerns, coupled with the veterinary director’s comments, suggest that this issue is far from settled.

    Many locals believe that the two-dog rule may infringe upon the Dog Law of 2002, which does not impose limits on the number of pets per household. They also point to the Five Freedoms of animal welfare, which advocate for an animal’s freedom from pain, fear, and emotional distress.

    As the community awaits the ombudswoman’s report, the future of many families’ pets remains uncertain, and the potential for unrest looms large in Limassol.