The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, announced on Saturday the allocation of €100,000 for dog sterilization, the tripling of the cat sterilization budget from €100,000 to €300,000, and a €150,000 grant for the creation of a Regional Temporary Dog Shelter in Paliometocho. The announcement was made during an event in Nicosia marking World Animal Day.

The Minister outlined three major decisions made by the Ministry in honor of World Animal Day.

• The first decision concerns the allocation of €100,000 exclusively for dog sterilizations, marking the first time a separate fund has been dedicated solely to this purpose.

• The second decision involves tripling the budget for cat sterilizations from €100,000 to €300,000, responding to long-standing requests from volunteers and organizations.

• Finally, Dr. Panayiotou announced that the application for the creation of a Regional Temporary Dog Shelter in Paliometocho, submitted by the municipalities of Strovolos, Nicosia, and Lakatamia, has been approved. The Ministry will provide a €150,000 grant to support the project.

“This is a significant development,” she stated, explaining that the initiative is the result of joint efforts between the Ministries of Agriculture and Interior, local authorities, and volunteers.

In response to questions about animal abuse, the Minister emphasized that the purpose of such events is to educate and sensitize the public. Addressing cases of abuse, she noted, requires cooperation and collective effort, alongside a strong focus on individual accountability.

Referring to broader government actions, Dr. Panayiotou confirmed that the Ministry is implementing and expanding the animal welfare measures outlined in the government’s policy program. She reminded that last year the government expanded the role of the Commissioner for the Environment to include animal welfare responsibilities.

“The effort continues,” she said, citing ongoing initiatives such as increased sterilization funding, amendments to the Dogs Law currently before Parliament, and the integration of the Game Fund registry with the Veterinary Services database to improve animal management and monitoring.