Veterinarians in Cyprus proposed a nationwide program for sterilizing stray cats

The Cyprus Veterinary Association has introduced an initiative to create an island-wide program for sterilization, microchipping, and registration of stray cats. According to experts, only large-scale and coordinated actions can reduce the animal population and prevent further deterioration of the situation.

According to the proposal, sterilization services should be provided free of charge, and pet owners will be able to visit any veterinary clinic. The program’s implementation should be carried out in cooperation with municipalities and volunteer organizations. The Association emphasized that it is ready to provide the necessary resources and expects active support from the government, as well as donations from citizens and companies.

The organization’s representatives noted that their plan is comprehensive, realistic, and ready for immediate launch. At the same time, they criticized the Ministry of Agriculture’s initiative to reopen old state veterinary clinics, stating that it would require significant investment in infrastructure and staff without guaranteeing effective results.

Previously, the Animal Welfare Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou announced a seven-year plan for mass sterilization of over a million stray cats on the island, pointing out that the current budget of €100,000 per year is clearly insufficient to achieve the goal.

The Veterinary Association plans to start direct consultations with municipalities and charitable organizations to speed up the project’s launch. Experts emphasize that without urgent measures, the population of stray cats will continue to grow, creating ecological, sanitary, and social risks.