Game and Fauna Service calls for tougher action against repeat poachers

Androlykou, Cyprus. A group of poachers illegally hunts hares in Androlykou on an almost nightly basis despite repeated reports, Game and Fauna Service head Pantelis Hadjiyerou told the House environment committee on Tuesday. He called for stronger measures against repeat offenders.

Fines fail to deter offenders

Hadjiyerou said the poachers appeared unconcerned by being reported. He told MPs that revenue from poaching exceeds €10 million a year, in line with estimates from environmental organisations.

He said professional poachers treat fines as a cost of doing business and argued that the Game and Fauna Service should be able to revoke offenders’ firearms or driving licences.

Akel MP Nikos Kettiros cited a poacher in Larnaca who had been reported seven times in one year. The first six complaints resulted in fines totalling €13,500, which the poacher paid in cash before offending again within a week. Kettiros said the authorities needed a more effective response.

Police describe enforcement pressures

Deputy police chief Michalis Katsounotos said poachers frequently avoid paying extrajudicial fines, sending cases to court, where penalties tend to be lower and can be paid in instalments.

He said police action against poaching had been less intensive this year because of competing demands linked to the Cyprus EU Council presidency and foot-and-mouth disease patrols.