THE PROBLEM of stray dogs is an issue for society as a whole, according to the president of the Cyprus Society for the of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA) Toulla Poyiatzi.
Poyiatzi told the Cyprus Mail yesterday everyone had to take their share of responsibility when it comes to homeless animals.
During a House Committee meeting held to discuss the law regarding stray dogs earlier this month, Poyiatzi said certain animal shelters across the island were being forced to put down as many as 500 dogs per week – a figure disputed by the shelters. The CSPCA, however, does not put down animals simply because they cannot find a home.
“We are an association that prevents cruelty to animals and we disagree with putting them to sleep simply because they are homeless,” said Poyiatzi.
“We only ever put a dog down in extreme circumstances. For example, the dog has to be severely ill, or is a danger towards other dogs or human beings. Putting dogs to sleep is our last resort.”
Poyiatzi said the reason sick dogs were put down was because her association did not have the money or the means to treat the animals who were suffering.
“Some people have adopted the motto that you have to be cruel to be kind. I’m afraid I cannot grasp that mentality,” said Poyiatzi.
“Normally the Municipalities do this as well. If the animals are not claimed within a week they are sent to the veterinary services and put to sleep,” said Poyiatzi.
The main reason why there are so many strays is society’s apathy towards the friendly animals, says Poyiatzi.
“The situation is out of control. Whoever wants a dog can go out and get one and they are not required to register it. Therefore once they tire of the animal they simply dump it on the streets and get a newer model, so to speak,” she said.
She added most people only wanted thoroughbred dogs, so mongrels were left without homes. “All our dogs are mongrels,” said Poyiatzi.
According to the CSPCA head, the government, the veterinary services and the police need to enforce the law that protects stray dogs, by having to register them and insert an identity microchip.
“The dogs are only causing problems in villages and on farms as the poor animals are hungry and forced to scavenge for their meals. Many dogs are also poisoned and all this is the state’s and the people’s fault. The animals are being forced to pay for our mistakes,” said Poyiatzi.
The CSPCA was founded in 1970; Poyiatzi has been president since 1987. “Since then, it has been my policy not to put down dogs. We are not a shelter where people can bring their unwanted animals for us to care for them. We only take animals that are near death and have nowhere to go,” said Poyiatzi.
At the moment the CSPCA shelter is full, with approximately 210 dogs.
