In statements after the end of the session, AKEL MP and deputy chairman of the committee Nikos Ketteros said that the extension given under the amendment bill is still 48 months from the day the legislation was passed, but in fact only 16-17 months remain until the end of this period, adding that the Veterinary Services have been asked to attend the next meeting of the committee with a political commitment from the minister responsible and to clarify whether this period is enough to implement the legislation.
"There is no reason to pass legislation that will sweep the problems under the carpet again and apply the familiar policy of "pillar to post comfort". We want to pass legislation that will be enforced. Therefore, the Minister should come with a political commitment that within this time frame the legislation will be implemented, because our primary concern is the welfare of the animals and the people who deal with these breeding farms, and secondly, if we need to make other amendments to the bill, we should make them," he added, adding that more time should be given if necessary.
"We are not allowed to hear about dog breeding in livestock zones. There are cases where there may be premises on Turkish Cypriot land and there are poultry farms next to it, where you can understand what happens with the sewage if there are dog and cat farms next to it. There cannot be hotels or dog and cat breeding farms in conditions that are not suitable and someone could possibly say that there is animal abuse. Controls on both the premises and the living conditions of the animals must be appropriate and strict, and that is what we are seeking. At the same time, however, the necessary facilities should be provided by the state to end this story," he said.
Regarding a note sent by the Animal Welfare Organizations that animals are being exported abroad from shelters, which are not made available to Cypriots who are interested, Ketterios said that according to the data held by the committee, around 30 have been made available.000 dogs in the last 7 years, with most exports being made to Britain and Germany, which are controlled by the Veterinary Services and with the documents available they know where these animals are going.
"Because we have this whole uncontrolled situation with no neutering, no restrictions, with many strays and the laws only being passed and not enforced, this situation prevails. What matters is that the laws are enforced. We could be passing 150 pieces of legislation that do not matter because they are not being enforced. Of course, the costs for the transport and export of animals are also paid," he added on the issue.
DISY MP Prodromos Alabritis said in turn that animal shelters and volunteers in general do a very worthwhile job, offering care, treatment, food and love to animals, with their role in animal welfare being multifaceted.
"Cooperation is required from local authorities, but especially from the state and veterinary services, so that the shelters can be licensed. Some suggestions heard in the committee that we believe are in the right direction are the immediate registration of dog and cat shelters for inspection, the recording of deficiencies and problems of shelters, and to consider the possibility for some specific shelters with road problems to be considered for waivers if and when they meet the minimum requirements in terms of animal welfare," he said.
In addition, when asked about the issue of exporting animals, he replied that since the aim is not to euthanize these animals, it is in the right direction. "The goal is for the relevant authorities to know where these animals are going and for them to thrive," he concluded.
Source: CNA
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