ANIMAL lovers have been left stunned after it was announced that one of the island’s leading sanctuaries may be forced to close.
An email sent to the press yesterday, stated that if funds cannot be found urgently, the Argos shelter will shut down by the end of the year.
“It is with great sadness we are forced to announce that unless we receive financial aid at Argos, which presently shelters over 200 animals, will be forced to close down,” the statement read.
“Due to the great number of unwanted and abandoned animals that make their way to the Argos shelter, it is impossible to sustain over 200 animals any longer. With debts of over €100,000, we are bankrupt”
Argos is an animal rescue and protection organisation based in Ormidhia. It was conceded SBA crown forest land in 2005 for the creation of an animal sanctuary.
In an interview with the Cyprus Mail last night, Argos director Stella Stylianou blasted the government, which she claims has turned its back on its legal obligations towards the stray animals.
“If we do not get some financial help from the government or sponsors, we may end up closing our doors. The government has a legal responsibility to help with animal welfare, but have chosen to completely ignore the situation,” she said.
Stylianou also questioned the national dog licence fees, which she said should be used implement state legal obligations in providing proper shelters for the strays or in helping the existing shelters who do their job.
Stylianou, told the Mail her phone had been ringing non-stop since the news broke and assured the public that the animals already being housed would be protected, but said the door is closed to more strays until the shelter’s future is secured.
“I want to make this clear; no way will the animals be disposed of. We will try and re-home every single one of them, no matter how long it takes.”
Argos has been widely credited with bringing several cases of extreme animal cruelty to the public’s attention, including the case of an Irish wolfhound that was dragged by a rope from the back of a pick-up truck earlier this year.
Michael Saunders, a trustee at BFAWS dog kennels told the Cyprus Mail that the news had sent shockwaves throughout the island. He urged the community to work together in saving the shelter.
“The island cannot afford to lose this facility; the news comes as a terrible shock and a great shame. We must all now work together to save Argos,” he said.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Bank of Cyprus
a/c No. 0559-01-003458-00
IBAN: CY22 0020 0559 0000 0001 0034 5800
SWIFT: BCYPCY2N
The Cyprus Popular Bank Ltd (Marfin Laiki Bank)
a/c No. 090-11-002245
IBAN: CY31 0030 0090 0000 0090 1100 2245
SWIFT: LIKI CY2N
http://www.argossanctuary.com
