Cyprus appeals court upholds conviction of Melios zoo owner for operating with expired permit

Nicosia, Cyprus. An appeals court ratified a Nicosia district court ruling against the owner of Melios zoo for operating the zoo with an expired permit. The hearing took place on Monday and the ruling was announced on Thursday.

Expired permit and inspection findings

The zoo owner appealed his conviction by the district court, which heard that the permit had expired on September 25, 2017, and had not been renewed because the Melios centre did not meet the necessary requirements. The requirements were determined during a Veterinary Services visit to the zoo on March 11, 2018.

Grounds of the appeal

The appellant argued that the court of first instance should not have accepted that the prosecution provided adequate evidence, saying the zoo was operating within regulations on the protection and wellbeing of animals in zoos. He also said the prosecution did not prove that wild animals were displayed to the public for seven or more days per year and therefore failed to prove the establishment was operating as a zoo.

Appeals court ruling

The appeals court, interpreting the law and regulations, said it was clear the initial licence issued was for a zoo and that it was that zoo that had been banned but continued to operate. It said the prosecution did not need to provide evidence concerning the interpretation of the term “zoo” and dismissed the appeal.

What do you think the appeals court decision means for future permit enforcement for zoos?