By Bejay Browne.
As more dog shelters being operated by volunteers are closing down, the Animal Party is calling on the government to speed up plans for the creation of community animal shelters.
Three shelters are closing because they are unable to meet operating standards or owners of the land want them back and the shelters are not in a financial position to buy land elsewhere, the party’s Kyriacos Kyriacou is reported.
He said the state should help the volunteers or ‘expedite plans for the creation of community shelters.’
Although state aid given last year to shelters was increased, it is not enough to enable them comply with regulations, he said.
“They must pay thousands in medical bills, pay bills, buy animal feed. They are not state employees, they are volunteers. Their job is not to cover the state’s shortcomings,” he said.
Currently there is a free dog-microchipping programme in place until the end of March which dog owners may take advantage of.
By implanting a microchip, the national veterinary service dog registry records its unique identification number and the details of its owner.
This enables owners to locate their dogs in case they get lost or stolen and will help to reduce the numbers of strays on the island. The service is offered free of charge by the veterinary services every Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30am until 2pm.
Owners should bring ID, the dog’s health booklet, and the completed form which is available on the veterinary services website: www.moa.gov.cy/moa/vs/vs.nsf/
For further information about the scheme :
Nicosia Tel: 22805241, Limassol Tel: 25819512, Avdimou Tel: 25814326, Skarinou Tel: 24322358, Paphos Tel: 26821261, Polis Chrysochous Tel: 26815226, Famagusta Tel: 24824555.
