DALI DOG POUND, CYPRUS

“A CATALOGUE OF SUSTAINED AND SYSTEMIC NEGLECT, ABUSE, TORTURE AND DEATH TO THE DOGS IN THEIR

CARE”

Prepared for

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL Republic of Cyprus

To assist with

THE PROSECUTION AND PUNISHMENT OF DALI MUNICIPALITY FOR CRIMES RELATING TO SUSTAINED

ANIMAL ABUSE AND THREATS TO PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY

by

Friends of Cyprus Dog Rescue (UK) In collaboration with CALF (Cyprus)

July 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Item Page No

Summary 3 Background Information 4 Findings 5-10 Conclusion 11

Appendices Attachment 1 13-17 Attachment 2 18-20 Attachment 3 21-24

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SUMMARY Since April 2012, Friends of Cyprus Dog Rescue have been compiling a file of evidence relating to the sustained and intentional abuse of dogs in the care of Dali Dog Pound, Dali Municipality, Cyprus. We have worked in collaboration with individual animal lovers who are resident in Cyprus and Cyprus Animal Liberation Front (CALF) to obtain the compelling evidence contained in this Report which proves, beyond reasonable doubt, that there is a systemic regime of animal abuse occurring at Dali Dog Pound, Cyprus by the person employed to care for the dogs by Dali Municipality. This is direct contravention of the Animal Welfare Laws currently in force in Cyprus. During the time we have been collecting evidence we have witnessed horrendous acts of cruelty and neglect at Dali Dog Pound. These include dogs being left to die with no veterinary attention; dogs being denied basic veterinary care; dogs entering the Dog Pound in a healthy condition and being removed 8 weeks later in an advanced stage of emaciation to the point of imminent death; dogs living in filthy conditions, surrounded by dog faeces and crawling with ticks; puppies dying through lack of basic care and being left to rot in the kennel with other live puppies; dogs disappearing from the Dog Pound with no explanation or paperwork available; dogs dying mysterious deaths for which no explanation is given. Our evidence gathering culminated in the discovery of a mass grave of dog carcasses directly outside the Dog Pound. On Saturday 21st July 2012 a dead dog was found on the land directly outside Dali Dog Pound in, what looked to be a gravel pit. The said dog had been resident in the Dog Pound, last been seen on Tuesday 17th July 2012. Photographic evidence was obtained on that date. A further visit was arranged on 24th July 2012 when it was confirmed that the gravel pit was actually a mass grave filled with dog carcasses, all in varying stages of decomposition. The only logical reason for this grave is to dispose of the dogs killed at the Dog Pound and perhaps road kill picked up by the Municipality worker employed at the Dog Pound. This illegal dumping of dog carcasses is in direct contravention of all health and safety laws and poses a serious risk to public health. Photographs obtained at the scene were sent to a Forensic Scientist for examination. There is evidence to suggest that at least one dog has been led to this site and killed there by the Municipality employee. The evidence that systemic and sustained abuse and torture of animals at Dali Dog Pound is taking place on a regular basis is compelling. The people involved with the operation of this Dog Pound should be removed immediately while investigations are taking place. We now demand that the Dog Pound be operated under the supervision of an Animal Welfare Organisation – preferably a reputable organisation such as CVA. If the Dog Pound is returned to the control of the Municipality it should be operated under the supervision of a person with appropriate experience in kennel management and animal care. There should be no reliance on volunteers to provide basic animal care; volunteers should be regarded as “adding value” to the operation ie walking dogs, socialising puppies etc, rather than essential for the dogs’ welfare.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION Since December 2011 the author has been aware of the terrible acts of animal cruelty that appear to be going unpunished at Dali Municipality Dog Pound, Cyprus, despite animal welfare legislation being enshrined in Cyprus Law. In April 2012 the author was made aware of the desperate plight of the dogs impounded at the government operated Dog Pound at Dali Municipality, Cyprus. During the following months evidence has been gathered which confirms the shocking acts of cruelty and mismanagement at this government operated dog pound. Despite being fully aware of the Guidelines for Construction and Operation of Shelters/Storage Space/Breeders or Dogs and Cats, as set down by Government as best practice to comply with the Animal Welfare Legislation in Cyprus, Dali Municipality chooses to ignore every single guideline and, indeed, even basic animal husbandry is ignored. This lack of care has resulted in many dogs experiencing abject pain and suffering – and even death - due to contravention of the Animal Welfare Legislation. A copy of the appropriate Guidelines is attached. See Attachment 1. The Law in relation to stray animal control is very clear. Animals arriving at the government operated Dog Pounds have 15 days within which time the Municipality must do everything in their power to find the owner. If, after the 15 day period no owner is found then the dog may be placed for re-homing, passed to a shelter for re-homing or be humanely euthanized. The body should thereafter be disposed of according to current health and safety legislation. At Dali Dog Pound none of the requirements in Law are adhered to. Dogs are brought to the Pound and no effort is made by the Municipality to find the owner. Dogs are not health checked or quarantined to prevent disease, and are simply placed into cages with the other dogs and left to fend for themselves. The person employed by the Municipality to care for the dogs at Dali Dog Pound is employed as a Handyman. He has no experience of working with dogs or, indeed, kennel-management and isolation procedures. He has no experience of basic animal husbandry and, due to this, the animals suffer from neglect. They are not fed properly; they are not watered properly; the kennels are not cleaned properly with the appropriate chemicals to prevent disease and, most importantly, he is only employed Monday to Friday until 2pm. The animals are left to fend for themselves from 2pm on a Friday afternoon, until Monday morning when he returns. This is abandonment under the Animal Welfare Legislation in Cyprus. Abandonment comes into force when an animal is left unattended for more than 24 hours. This is a Government operated dog pound. It is breaking its own laws on Animal Welfare. See Attachment 2 The Municipality employee appears to have no empathy for the animals in his care and uses his position as a way to exert control. He controls when they are fed, watered, cleaned and when volunteers can enter the pound. He is not a suitable person to be caring for animals. Complaints have been made in the past about his treatment of the animals in his care. We are advised that he is “friends” with the Mayor and therefore nothing is done to protect the animals.

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FINDINGS Due to the lack of basic care identified above disease spreads very quickly at Dali Dog Pound and the dogs become sick. When they become sick they are not afforded veterinary care. Photographs identify dogs entering the Dog Pound and their body condition – and their condition when they are removed. See Attachment 3 We have witnessed sustained blatant cruelty, abuse, torture and neglect during our time investigating Dali Dog Pound. Furthermore, there have been donations of food which has clearly not been given to the animals as can be seen from their emaciated condition. What is happening to the food? Where is it going? The Government has a duty of care to the animals to provide them with basic care during their 15 day (documented!) residency. This means they provide food, water and veterinary care if needed. We have witnessed dogs being left to die in a corner having had no veterinary care, despite the dog’s emaciated condition and obvious signs of disease or infection. This directly contravenes all Animal Welfare Laws currently in force. We attach a separate Gallery of photographs of the body condition of a number of dogs in Dali Dog Pound to confirm that these are no isolated incidents, but a systemic regime being operated by the Municipality at Dali Dog Pound. The employee appears to have no supervision; the Dog Pound is never visited by veterinary services to ensure compliance with the Guidelines set down by the Government, despite numerous complaints about his treatment of the dogs over the years he has been employed. In April 2012 a number of dogs disappeared from Dali Dog Pound. The dogs were mainly Cyprus Poodles for which no explanation was given apart from the fact that they had died. It is a common occurrence where dogs disappear with no explanation and no paperwork to document the death. This appears to be acceptable behaviour by those who visit the Dog Pound, perhaps because they are frightened to say anything for fear of reprisal and the effect it would have on the dogs incarcerated there. We believe that if the mass grave is excavated the bodies will be found. We are further of the opinion that there will be suspicions surrounding the cause of death. Friends of Cyprus Dog Rescue have also been responsible for removing 10 dogs from Dali Dog Pound in the past 6 weeks. 80% of those dogs have been emaciated and suffering from infection, disease or illness resulting from direct neglect while resident at Dali Dog Pound. The photographs (Attachment 3) clearly show a body condition of around 1, with 5 being a dog with normal body condition. All of them had perfectly treatable illnesses which were caused through lack of basic care and animal husbandry in Dali Dog Pound. Friends of Cyprus Dog Rescue have paid for veterinary care for these dogs, which is continuing, together with private kennelling fees and food. Every dog that has been removed from this Dog Pound has required veterinary treatment amounting to considerable expense; veterinary treatment that was denied to them at Dali Dog Pound.

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On Friday 20th July 2012, four days after the publication of a photograph that showed a puppy lying dead in the background surrounded by dog faeces (in photo gallery attached), an animal lover attended Dali Dog Pound and removed 6 puppies to a place of safety. All the puppies were visibly sick due to lack of basic care and neglect. One of the puppies died from liver failure caused by serious infection and chronic dehydration. Another puppy was placed on life support in the veterinary clinic and remained there for 3 days. This puppy survived but the cost of this veterinary treatment has been borne by the lady who rescued them. This veterinary treatment should have been afforded to them at the Dali Dog Pound. We believe that all monies paid by individuals to pay for treatment that should be covered by Dali Municipality should be reimbursed to the individuals who have been disenfranchised due to the contravention of Animal Welfare Laws and relevant Guidelines by Dali Dog Pound. While all of the above information is compelling evidence that Dali Municipality are not fulfilling their obligations towards the stray dogs that come into their care, probably the most sickening and horrifying piece of evidence we are providing to you is the fact that, on Saturday 21st July 2012 what turned out to be a mass grave was discovered on the ground adjacent to Dali Dog Pound. One of the dogs resident in Dali Dog Pound, that had been alive on Tuesday 17th July 2012, a Great Dane Cross by the name of Romeo, was found dead with a bag tied around his head. Photographs taken at the scene by horrified witnesses on 20th July 2012 and on 24th July 2012 when we arranged a further visit were sent to a Forensic Scientist for analysis in the UK. The Forensic Scientist, a member of Friends of Cyprus Dog Rescue and personal friend of the report author, raised concerns on cause of death of such a large number of dogs and the significant risk to public health that such a mass grave poses. While the photographs taken at the scene were not of the quality that one would normally expect to be taken at a crime scene, the Forensic Scientist was able to give her “opinion” based on the evidence placed before her. She also consulted with a colleague for confirmation of her thoughts. The photographs taken on 20th July 2012 were examined and the following comments made. Reference to “Romeo” relates to the dead black dog in the photographs.

“The pictures are a bit hard to glean everything from. We really need close up shots of the pit and the surrounding area but from what I saw this is what I found: It actually looks to be chlorinated lime he has thrown down there. This does not speed up decomposition but instead is used as a masking agent. It will effectively mask the stench of decomposition. From the pattern of the chlorinated lime on Romeo’s torso it appears that the person was standing over the body (feet angled towards Romeo’s back) somewhere around 1-3ft from the body. The angle of the bag also ties in with this. The green bag that can be seen underneath Romeo shows signs of seepage. This indicates that a body is in that bag decomposing and is at the stage where the bacteria within the stomach and gut as "blown" and is now spilling contents.

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The various sizes of the flies seen in the pictures indicate mature and young. This suggests that there has been a food source available to maintain a few cycles of laying eggs to maturation. There are some bags that are tied. If I could see inside one of the bags I could tell more but, and this is just a supposition, it may be that the dogs were still alive/partially alive when in the bag. One bag shows small rip marks, which could be rats, but could also be clawed from inside. I can't see the direction the tear is heading - into the bag or out - so I can't say that for sure. There is definitely something underneath Romeo in the green bag. There are definite signs of seepage. If you look you can see dark, almost clotted pools and there has been a food source to see the maturation cycle through. There are also fragments of the green bags which are seen throughout the rubble. Some of these fragments are lighter green in colour. Assuming that this is not just the light in the photograph then this is sun bleaching so those particular bags may have been there for a good period of time. There is no apparent bowel or bladder evacuation which could point too two things:

Romeo was not killed on site;

That he had nothing in his bowel or bladder which would mean that he had no intake for a few days. There is usually bowel evacuation both during euthanasia or sudden death. From the above while it seems that he was not killed on site there is what looks like shoe and paw prints in the sanded areas at the top of the pit. Again this could be the photograph showing shadows. If it is not then certainly one dog at least has been led down there alive. There are latex gloves lying beside Romeo. These can be taken as evidence as DNA from inside the glove may be retrievable.* This would match the person to the scene. As it would have been hot I would suggest that there was cellular sloughing. There are different bags and at the top of the quarry to the one shown beside Romeo and the discolouration of some of the chlorinated lime suggest some has been put down some time before. That's it! As I say this is supposition based on the photographs which to be honest are not how I would photograph a scene but then that is not why they were taken. I also asked my colleague to look and he concurred and also agreed that the pit looks to have been dug over a few times but also that the larger rocks don't seem in keeping with the rocks out-with the pit. Is there a quarry nearby?

(*retrieved for DNA analysis)

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A further visit to the scene was organised. On Tuesday 24th July 2012 we returned and obtained close range photographs which were then examined by our Forensic Scientist. The following observations were made from the evidence presented before her:

Pic 1 referred to below

Pic 3 showing fly activity and decomposing neck area

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I can't gauge the scale without a ruler being next to the maggots which appear to be in pic 1 but I think we have third instar larvae which occurs in the life cycle at about 5 days. I think I can see prepupae there as well which is about day 9. There are mature and immature flies (can be seen in pic 3 around the neck area) which indicates that some of the prepupae have stage hatched. My comments are made from observations gained in ambient scenes. The time may differ given that the temperatures are high but it won't be too different. Only water submerged corpses display vast differences. It is difficult to call a time of death and how long the body has been there but certainly he has been there for, I would say, since at least the weekend but maybe before then. I am concerned at the area around the neck. This area seems to be decomposing at a greater rate than say the cheek or eye socket, which are usually more vulnerable. This could be indication of a trauma which has allowed flies easier access than the more fleshy vulnerable areas.

Canine Skeleton showing faeces indicating at least one dog was led to that area and then killed.

With dessication, the lips will pull back and expose more of the gum-line and bite so it will look exaggerated. That skeleton looks to be a pup as well.

At least one dog may have been killed on site then; not Romeo as there is no evidence of bowel evacuation around his hind quarters so most likely this is another dogs faeces.

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Whether this was a violent death is a hard one to gauge by looking at the pictures after x amount of days. As dehydration occurs it will distort the features and almost pull it into contorted areas. What I will say is that usually at the point of a peaceful death the features (and body relax) to give a slack appearance. On a trauma death this is not always the case as there is a chemical released that spikes in the body. From a scientific perspective I can't state that this is indicative of a traumatic death. Most of the time the facial features (due to muscle relaxing) will be relaxed. There are exceptions; poison being the main one as the muscles do the opposite and contract. I am trending a supposition as opposed to hard scientific fact though and that would not stand in a court of law. There was no need for these dogs to die. They went in relatively healthy. Yes Romeo was underweight but we have seen worse that have survived. Personally, I would have the bodies exhumed and get a full barrage autopsy done on them. Cause of death needs to be established.

In light of the findings made by our Expert, we request that immediate post mortem of the body is carried out to ascertain cause of death and whether the use of authorised chemicals was the cause of the dog’s death. It is also requested that the vet performing all the euthanasia at the Dog Pound be asked to produce their records confirming dates, times, breed of dog, sex etc and the information be made available to us. These records require to be kept as the drugs involved are controlled drugs. We hold the date of disappearance of most dogs and will be able to confirm or otherwise the documentation. As noted above, a question has been raised about the presence of a footprint and a paw-print in one of the photographs. The presence of faeces would appear to confirm that this was the place of death of at least one dog. We are horrified that one of the bags appeared to be ripped from the inside, indicating that a dog may still have been alive when he/she was placed in the bag for burial. The black dog in the photographs was found with a bag placed over his head and tied.

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CONCLUSION The evidence presented highlighting the shocking condition of dogs that have been removed from Dali Dog Pound, proves that the Municipal employee is not a suitable person to be in sole charge of the stray animals at Dali Dog Pound. There is evidence to suggest that he may be killing some dogs himself, rather than having them humanely euthanized to comply with the Law. The Municipal employee clearly displays no respect for human or animal life, confirmed by the condition of the animals in his care and the fact that he has built a mass grave in a public area with no thought for public health or safety. This behaviour gives us real cause for concern. We have no doubt that this person is responsible for the illegal deaths of dogs that have found themselves in this facility, which is no more than a concentration camp for dogs. In a civilised country no animal deserves to be treated with such contempt, especially when their only crime is to find themselves without a home. We have proved in this Report that Dali Municipality is in direct contravention of legislation relating to animal shelter management and The Dog Law 2004, updated 2009. This is completely unacceptable and the perpetrators of such crimes should be brought to justice immediately. Just as paedophiles seek out employment with children, animal abusers seek to work with animals to satisfy their need to inflict pain and suffering. This has surely happened with dogs at Dali Pound. We request that a thorough investigation is carried out into the activities of the Municipal employee directly relating to the crimes he may have committed. This should include investigating why this situation has been allowed to continue for so long, bearing in mind that many complaints about his treatment of the dogs have been placed with Dali Municipality. We demand that control of Dali Dog Pound be removed from the Municipality control immediately, and during the term of this investigation. Its control should be placed under the jurisdiction of a person or reputable animal welfare organisation on the island. There can be no other solution to this appalling situation at this point in time. We are realists. We realise that not every stray dog can find a home in Cyprus and that some dogs do sadly have to be humanely euthanized. We also believe that every living being deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. This is not happening at Dali Municipality Dog Pound. There is regime of systemic animal abuse at the hands of a person employed to care for them. No animal in a Government operated facility should become sick and be denied treatment; become emaciated to the point of imminent death or be treated without due respect. The Dog Pound should be a place of safety for them until they can be reunited with their owners, re-homed or humanely euthanized. This is clearly not happening at this facility – and most likely other facilities across Cyprus. It is scandalous that this type of establishment is being allowed to operate under the auspices of a Government Department and even more scandalous that it is happening in a country that holds the Presidency of the European Union.

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Attachment 1

GUIDELINES FOR CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF SHELTERS/STORAGE

SPACE/BREEDERS OF DOGS AND CATS

1. Location - Fencing

1.1 Sufficient and safe outdoor enclosure for prevented both the escape of animals kept at

the entrance of other stray or wild animals, as well as access by unauthorized persons. The

fencing should be at least 1.80 meters.

2. Places of detention animals

.1 Each animal must throughout the period during which the premises are kept in space that

is suitable for the type and age, size, temperature, lighting and ventilation.

2.2 In particular:

(A) The size of the detention of animals must be adequate to allow animals to stand, sit, lie

down and to rotate freely normal for these positions.

For dogs, depending on body weight:

(A) For dogs who live individually, placed on each dog:

Body weight Minimum area Floor space rest Minimum area floor exercise area

<12 kg 1,8 m² 3,8 m²

12 - 16 kg 2,0 m² 4,0 m²

16 - 20 kg 2,2 m² 5,0 m²

20 - 24 kg 3,2 m² 6,0 m²

24 - 28 kg 3,6 m² 7,0 m²

> 28 kg 4,0 m² 8,0 m²

(B) For dogs that live in groups, be placed on each dog:

Body weight Minimum area Floor space rest Minimum area Floor space exercise

<16 kg 2,0 m² 4,0 m²

16 - 28 kg 3,5 m² 6,0 m²

> 28 kg 4,0 m² 8,0 m²

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For cats, depending on their number:

Number cats Minimum area Floor space rest Minimum area Floor space exercise

1 1,0 m² 2,0 m²

2 1,5 m² 2,5 m²

4 2,0 m² 3,0 m²

(B) The temperature in any room reservation must be normal for the species and age of the

animal is kept in this area.

(C) The detention must be configured in such a position to prevent excessive or insufficient

exposure of animals to light. In addition, lighting should be such as to permit easy and

thorough inspection of animals.

(D) Ventilation shall be such as to minimize the concentration humidity, ammonia and

unpleasant odors. The area should be sheltered by air currents.

2.3 The area must be constructed and secured so as to minimize both the risk of injury and

the risk of escape of animals.

2.4 The area must be constructed of non-slip, non porous, non-absorbent and moisture

resistant material which does not irritate the feet of animals and generally not harmful to

animals, wash and disinfect.

2.5 The floor shall withstand the weight of the animal, be inclined to drains and drain well.

2.6 There should be adequate drainage system.

2.7 There should be a water supply system suitable both for drinking and for use in clean

rooms and equipment.

2.8 All components for electricity or heat (wires, plugs, switches, lamps, etc.) should be as

waterproof as possible and not accessible by animals.

2.9 The space and equipment within it must be cleaned and disinfected intervals to ensure

the adequacy of health conditions. The frequency of cleaning should not be less than once

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per clock. The area should be disinfected whenever emptied.

2.10 The cleaning and disinfection must be suitable and safe for animals. Off-label use,

according to the manufacturer's instructions prohibited. Caution should be exercised to

avoid the presence of residues of these materials in the detention of animals, after a

cleaning and disinfection and replacement of animals in these areas.

2.11 It should be readily accessible to all animals in order to allow each

any time the inspection.

2.12 For all cats must be an appropriate container with litter or equivalent and appropriate

material, which should be at least 0.5 meters from the point feeding.

3. Conditions of health and welfare

3.1 All animals must be in good health and free of obvious infestation and other clinical

symptoms.

3.2 Diseased or injured animals should be isolated and receive appropriate treatment and

care, without delay, by a veterinarian. The performance any use to treat a sick or injured

animal from non-qualified person and without instruction in veterinary medicine is

prohibited.

3.3 Euthanasia animal only by a veterinarian. The reason for euthanasia should are

registered and filed.

3.4 The animals must be inspected at regular intervals and at intervals no less than once per

day.

3.5 There must be room isolation for sick and injured animals, which must meet the

conditions referred to in paragraph 1 and who should not communicate directly with the

facility other animals.

3.6 Depending on the species, sex, race, age, temperament and other characteristics,

conservation of animals may be individual, pair or group. Incompatible animals, either at the

species level or at the individual level, not at no case be kept in the same place.

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3.7 Animals of different species should be housed in separate areas.

3.8 There should be places of confinement.

3.9 The toketoomades animals (if any) must be kept separate and not contact between

them.

3.10 Measures must be taken to avoid unwanted couplings.

3.11 should be implemented to combat harmful rodents and insects using formulations that

are approved and always under the instructions the manufacturer.

3.12 In case of suspicion of disease including the gnostopoiitees diseases should be

immediately informed the Veterinary Services.

3.13 In the premises, where there is no room for the exercise incorporated in the facility

dogs, dogs at least once per day for a reasonable time (at least 30 minutes) to occur outside

of the permanent site their detention.

3.14 Loud noises which cause concern for animals should be avoided.

3.15 Smoking in rooms where animals are prohibited.

4. Providing food and water

4.1 All animals must be provided daily and with appropriate frequency adequate amount of

food that is suitable for the species in which is provided free of any dangerous or disease

agent. With the exception of animals of different physiological states, and in case where

there is a clear mandate veterinarian stating otherwise, all adult Animals must be fed with a

frequency not less than once per clock.

For puppies aged up to six months for kittens aged eight months, as minimum frequency

defined as three times per day.

4.2 All animals must be constantly available to their drinking water which should be free of

any dangerous or disease agent.

4.3 The feed and water containers should be placed in such a way that minimize the

likelihood of faecal or other contamination them.

4.4 The feed and water containers should be cleaned and disinfected sufficient frequency so

as to be clean all the time. This frequency is not must be less than once per day.

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5. Storing and preparing feed rations

5.1 Feed should be stored in clean, non-toxic and impermeable containers, which should

provide adequate protection from rodents, moisture, rot or contamination from physical,

chemical and biological agents. Provided that the feed contained in the containers are free

from dangerous or pathogenic agents.

5.2 The place of manufacture of the diet should be clean and equipped with water, wash

basins and other utilities. If stored raw meat, frozen or cooked, there should be refrigerated.

5.3 The smoking in preparation of rations is prohibited.

6. Collection of dead animals

6.1 There should be defined and appropriate procedures for collecting and removal of dead

pet animals under Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009.

6.2 All relevant evidence regarding compliance with the above procedure should be kept

and presented when requested for inspection by the Veterinary Services.

7. Education and staffing

7.1 The staff involved in the care of animals must have knowledge on the treatment, care

and welfare, as well as basic knowledge to identify clinical symptomaton.

7.2 The number of staff must be sufficient in relation to the number of animals. 1:20 ratio is

considered satisfactory.

8. Recordkeeping

8.1 It should be kept in print or electronic format, updated register incoming and outgoing

animals, with the following information:

1. Species

2. Race

3. Age

4. Sex

5. Personal identification (eg, code chip, number of tattoos color, other distinguishing

marks)

6. Date of arrival

7. Date of departure

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8. Origin of the animal (name, address, contact information) (where applicable)

9. Destination of animal (name, address, contact details)

10. Disease, treatment, laboratory results

examinations and veterinarian named supervisor (where applicable)

11. Date of death (where applicable)

12. Cause of death (where applicable)

This information must be recorded within 48 hours from the time held the activity or event

(eg arrival, departure, illness, death). The information in the register kept for at least three

years and is available to Veterinary Services whenever they are requested.

9. Security

9.1 The premises must be suitable and sufficient equipment to deal fire and evacuation plan

that includes rapid removal Animal of the premises in an emergency. The staff must are

trained both to implement the evacuation plan of the premises, and for the use of fire

protection equipment.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

VETERINARY SERVICES

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Attachment 2 Law §46 (article 1) of 1994

In this law the following basic sections are found:

4 (2):

A person who owns an animal must care for its health and well-being

4 (3):

It is forbidden to cause pain, fear or injuries to an animal without rational reason

4 (4):

It is forbidden, to give poison deliberately and without rational reasons to animals, or provoking that

such a substance is taken up by an animal

5 (1):

It is forbidden to mal-treat animals, to neglect them or to put them out to unsuitable hardship.

5 (2):

It is particularly forbidden: a) To cause an inhuman death of the animal in any manner f) To abandon

animals with the aim of abolition of the animal, whose survival depends on human care o) To tie an

animal permanently in a way which doesn’t enable it to move, or put a risk of suffocation to the animal.

6 (1):

Everybody who owns or supervises or carries along an animal must supply it with feed, water and care,

and so far necessary, with a lodging

6 (2):

The freedom of movement which is essential for the animal may not be limited permanently or without

giving reasons in any manner which causes pains, sufferings or damages.

Part V (1):

If the increase of the number of the straying animals causes serious danger for the public health and

security, the responsible authority can take the necessary measures for the reduction of these figures on

an ecologically reasonable level, always within the scope of the programmes which were approved by

the responsible authority.

Theoretically exists – with the exception of the killings, also intended in Cyprus, at state "animal homes"

- a good legislation at which not a lot is to be criticised.

New Cypriot dog law The new dog law has come into force on the 1st of October, 2004, but, because this wasn’t announced

publicly, only very few people know about their responsibility.

The large part of the stray population in Cyprus is a direct result of the irresponsibility of the dog holders

concerning dogs which are not welcome any more.

The new dog law is a very strict law if it is executed effectively. In the new dog right the responsible

authority transfers the responsibility of the control of straying dogs to the local authority, i.e. the

management of the municipalities and associations of municipalities.

If an abuse of animals is supposed, the local authorities can support the animal welfare organisations

and the veterinarian authorities.

Demands for the dog holders: The registration of the dogs is prescribed – with offence a high fine is to

be covered.

Since the 24th of April, 2009 there were changes in the licensing procedure for dogs:

1. The owner must mark the dog by a private veterinarian with a microchip, issue a certificate

of good health, book the dog in the central dog register and let issue a registration

certificate. In the case of already chipped dogs the veterinarian or the veterinarian office can

carry out the registration in the central register.

2. Then the owner must present the licensing certificate and the certificate of good health to

the local government and apply for a dog licence for which the fee varies according to

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gender and kind of the dog. This system should enable to veterinarians, the police and the

animal welfare organisations and the local authorities to determine the owners of runaways

and straying dogs.

Position control on site:

The local authority has the right of examination to all dwellings in which dogs are held to make sure that

the keeping terms of the dogs show no risk for public health, the security and the well-being of the

people.

Reasons for the extraction of a dog keeping licence:

The local authorities can refuse in certain cases to issue a dog keeping licence or recant these:

If the responsible authority finds out that the dog is dangerous for person and animal beyond

the property of the holder,

If the dog is the cause for a nuisance.

If a dog stands on the list of dangerous races and is not license

If the owner is younger than 16 years or if he contravenes the animal welfare act

If the owner can show no suitable living conditions for the dog,

If the living conditions for the dog are a danger for public health and the health of the dog or

other animals,

If the owner abandoned the dog or the dog runs away

If the dog is held at a place which doesn’t belong to the owner, with the exception, he has the

written approval of the lawful owner of using of the area

If the dog walks around regularly free, pollutes the street and causes annoyance and the holder

initiates no measures to change this after a written warning by the local authorities.

Securing of a dog:

The responsible management instructs the veterinarian office. This examines the circumstances and

hands the dog over the to the local authorities, provided that is found out that one of the above

mentioned conditions applies.

The local authorities organise over the veterinarian office the accommodation of the dog with an animal

welfare organisation or another institution or person who is interested. If this is not possible, within 30

days, the veterinarian office will hand over the dog to a veterinarian for euthanasia.

Cost:

All costs, which originate from the conversion of the regulations of the above mentioned clauses, go to

load of the owner of the dog.

Change of the ownership structures:

If a dog is given away or sold, the licence must be transferred by the local government to the future

owner.

Loss or theft of the dog:

Loss or theft of the dog are to be indicated to the responsible authority.

Marking of the property:

In properties or at the house where a dog is held, a sign with the label „Warning of the dog“ has to be

attached well and obviously.

Hounds:

If an owner wants that his dog is admitted as a hound, he must file an application for granting an

approval to the use of a hound by the leader of the hunting union.

Besides, a valid dog keeping licence, issued by the local authority, has to be presented. It is not allowed

to take more than two dogs at the same time to the hunt.

Sheepdogs:

It is not allowed to Shepherds and cattle breeders to let accompany their herds of more than 2 dogs.

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Straying dogs:

Dog owners must take all measures to prevent that their dog strays. The owner of a straying dog is

obliged to the payment of the costs which originate from catching and the accommodation of the dog by

the local authorities.

According to the law the local authority is obliged to keep the dog for 15 days and to undertake all

efforts to find the owner.

If the owner cannot be determined, the dog is handed over to the veterinarian authority for euthanasia,

provided that it is not rehomed again or is taken up by an animal welfare organisation.

Solution attempts The available protection of animals law (and also the new dog law) must be also executed

practically and offences, finally, also be punished – not only at foreigners.

The killings at the animal homes must be stopped: Animal homes as a stopover and reinforced

efforts to care for the dogs

The clarification of population concerning the contact with animals, beginning in schools, must

be intensified (teaching field: Protection of animals!)

Castrations must be prescribed compelling for all dogs and cats that are not planned for

breeding.

Report: Birgit Lewe

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Attachment 3

Shaggy

26th April 2012 in Dali Pound 10th June 2012

Top view of Shaggy on 10th June 2012

No vet treatment was given to this dog while at Dali Pound.

Max

Max arrived at Dali Pound healthy. He was removed suffering from

Malnutrition, Leishmanias, Elrichea and mange. No vet treatment given by Dali Pound

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Layla

Arrived healthy, became pregnant in the Pound. She was removed with 2 puppies, the only survivors from a litter of 9. She was emaciated and had an unexplained injury to her back

leg. See lump in photograph. No vet treatment given.

Poppi

Arrived at Dali Pound in poor condition but not sick. When she was removed she was

covered in sores, emaciated and suffering from elrichea. No vet treatment given.

Woody

Arrived emaciated! No vet treatment given. Moved to place of safety

Not being fed at Dali Pound.

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Dead puppy in background

Puppies locked in this kennel 24 hours a day surrounded by dog faeces. 6 puppies removed

with serious infections. One puppy died from liver failure and emaciation.

Puppies left with no food from Friday 2pm until Monday. No fresh water. Contrary to

Shelter Regulations which state puppies should be fed 3 times per day until 6 months of age.

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Dead puppy from Dali Pound

Puppy removed on 20 July 2012. Died next day from liver failure.

No veterinary care given by Dali Pound.