Paphos residents and holidaymakers are being kept awake at night by dogs that are left to bark incessantly.
The problem is particularity prevalent in Peyia in Paphos, where authorities say they are trying to tackle the issue.
“This is an ongoing problem and it’s literally destroying our life. We can’t move as we own our home and why should we have to?” said a Peyia resident who declined to be named for fear of repercussions for his family and pets, and also concerned for the fate of the barking dogs.
“I feel sorry for these dogs as they are living in terrible conditions. We have contacted the municipality but nothing seems to happen,”
The resident sad he is living next to an area where three dogs are being kept in an open space and spend most of their time tied up.
Peyia councillor Linda Leblanc said the authorities know about the problem and are tackling it, and that formal written complaints will help the municipality to investigate and take action.
“I can understand that people are concerned and afraid of reprisals but we need them to take this action in order to help,” she said.
As the holiday season is well underway, a record number of tourists are in the area, which is home to some of the most beautiful countryside and beaches on the island. There are also a number of popular hotels and tourist apartments in Peyia, and thousands of people, mostly British, have bought holiday homes here and are having their stays ruined by the nightly noise.
“One dog starts barking and then others join in. There is one dog that sounds like it’s in pain and it wails all night, it’s heart breaking but also incredibly annoying and preventing us from getting any sleep. Its honesty making us consider selling up and buying something in another country,” said a British retiree who only wanted to be identified as Sheila.
She spends almost every holiday at her three-bedroomed Peyia villa, which she owns with her husband Tony.
Leblanc said that at the request of Peyia mayor, Marinos Lambrou, Paphos’ Veterinary officer agreed to visit a number of areas where complaints have been filed against the owners of barking dogs. Of the ten or so cases, they managed to visit five sites.
Leblanc said that the officer said he was there only to check that the welfare of the animals and their living conditions met with the law. He said he would not comment or take action over dog barking or noise, as this is not his job.
“He only had an hour and we went to five places in different areas of Peyia. At two, the living conditions of the dogs did not meet required standards,” Leblanc said.
One involved a German Shephard which is being kept at a stone and gravel site in the centre of the town surrounded by a residential area. The dog was being kept in a cage overnight and barking continuously, she said.
“The vet said that the conditions did not meet with the law as cage was too small, there was insufficient space inside for the dog to sleep and there was no shade,” she said.
The vet called the owner and asked if the dog could be moved at night time and since then it has been quiet and no further complaints have been made.
The councillor said that it is now clear that the responsibility for barking dogs is shared between the municipality and the police.
“The mayor has been to visit the local police chief inspector a number of times recently, and we are working towards sorting this problem out. It will take time, but we will get there,” she said.
The mayor has already issued a number of 85 euro fines to those that are not complying with the law and whose dogs are creating noise and disturbance for residents.
“The problem is people don’t pay theses fines. The next step is a final reminder letter and then court action will be taken,” Leblanc said.
