Larnaca mayor and environment commissioner discuss animal welfare measures

Larnaca, Cyprus. Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras met Environment Commissioner Elias Myrianthous on Friday to discuss environmental issues and animal welfare measures across the district.

The talks focused largely on the treatment of abandoned animals, including plans for a temporary district shelter for stray dogs and the expansion of cat neutering programmes.

Stray dog shelter

Vyras and Myrianthous discussed the need to accelerate plans for a temporary shelter for stray dogs in the district.

They said the project would require increased state funding for municipalities before it could proceed. Until the shelter is built, they agreed to examine extending the operation of private dog shelters that have not yet secured the required building permits.

Cat neutering and feeding stations

The cat neutering scheme was also discussed, with Vyras requesting an increase in its budget.

Officials said greater oversight was needed at designated feeding and watering stations, along with public information campaigns to ensure animals are fed responsibly and only at approved locations.

Environmental measures

The meeting also covered solid waste management and flood protection measures being implemented by the municipality.

The mayor and commissioner agreed to maintain communication between the municipality and the commissioner’s office as work on the proposals continues.

The discussions followed a separate meeting last week between Myrianthous and veterinary services representatives, during which plans were outlined to expand the national cat neutering scheme from October.