DOG OWNERS in Peyia are up in arms over newly erected signs along Coral Bay headland, seemingly preventing them from walking their dogs along coastal paths.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail yesterday, local resident and dog owner Norman Thody said the situation was unacceptable.
“I have exercised my dogs on the Coral Bay headland for more than eight years, and we have never encountered a problem,” he said. “But about a week ago, notices appeared out of the blue, in both Greek and English, depicting what I can only presume is a dog ban.
“There has been no prior discussion on this matter, and it has caused a lot of distress for dog walkers who regularly come here.
“I realise that a few irresponsible owners don’t clear up their pet’s mess, but it is wrong to penalise the rest of us. Most people who use this area are responsible owners and advocate responsible dog ownership,” he said
“I did some investigating myself, as no information as to these new restrictions was available. It seems the Municipality of Peyia, is relying on the Foreshore Protection Act, which protects the area 100m from the water’s edge.”
Thody wondered how the law was being implemented. “[Does it cover] the whole coast up as far as St. George? Is it restricted to the land between the signs, or either side of the signs? No explanation is available.”
He continued, “I have to say the Mayor of Peyia, Neofitos Akourshiotis, has been less than helpful and we now have a war on our hands. It’s completely irresponsible behaviour, and no one seems to know anything.”
“This is another example of the councils’ insensitivity,” he said. “We need to know precisely the areas prohibited for our dogs.”
Thody said Peyia councillor, Linda Leblanc, has been trying to get to the bottom of the matter.
“Linda Leblanc has been most sympathetic, and is trying to help us. I have been hoping to meet the Mayor with her, but as yet we have had no success.”
“I am trying to help the residents of Peyia find out what’s going on,” said Leblanc.
“It seems as though the municipality charged off, and didn’t supply any information whatsoever. This sort of thing has happened over many other issues in the past and it’s not right,” she said.
“They have the right to put up these signs; I just wish they would enforce other laws in the area, such as illegal parking, which is a huge problem in Peyia district.”
“The council must show respect for everyone, and I must say this behaviour does seem to be directed against foreign residents, of which there are many in Peyia”.
“We do need all owners to execute responsible behaviour to stop their dogs fouling, and I think specific facilities, such as bins for disposing of dog faeces would help”.
Leblanc continued, “I am the president of the cleanliness committee, and this subject was discussed last year, but, as usual, nothing has been done about it yet.”
“The situation could have been better handled,” she emphasised, “and I have been discussing the matter with the municipal general Secretary. I am hoping next week’s council meeting will not be cancelled, as last week’s was, as I propose to broach the subject with everyone.”
Andreas Evlavis, of the Green party said this is a problem with all the mayors of coastal areas. “Before they put these bans in place, the law states that they should first provide an area, complete with specific facilities, for dogs and their walkers”.
“A Green party commissioner recently complained to the ombudsman, Eliana Nicolaou about this. There have been many complaints from our members’ island wide.’
“The law says a separate area for dogs should be provided, and the only place to do this so far is Larnaca, but it isn’t ready yet.”
“After the death in Latsi, where a man who had been exercising his dog was killed, the subject has been highlighted again.”
Evlavis noted the law does exist to protect dog lovers, but so far nothing has been done about it.
“It is important for the mayors and their councils to remember that the people elect them, and they have a duty to follow, and implement the law. ‘
Meanwhile, one local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Cyprus Mail,
“I realise that many people in Peyia and Coral Bay are upset by this action. But I fully support it. What about my rights to take a walk in my own country without stepping in dog mess?,” she said. “These people are mad, they love their dogs more than anything else.”
