Issues surrounding the identification and monitoring of hunting dogs, the management of stray animals and improved cooperation between the relevant authorities were discussed at a meeting between Environment and Animal Welfare Commissioner Ilias Myrianthous and the Game and Fauna Service on Tuesday, 15 September.
According to a statement from the Commissioner’s Office, the meeting was also attended by Game and Fauna Service head Pantelis Hadjigerou and officers Petros Anayiotos and Panikos Panayides.
Particular attention was given to checking the microchipping and identification of hunting dogs accompanying licensed hunters, as well as the use of approved traps to capture stray dogs.
Hunters encouraged to neuter their dogs
The meeting also highlighted the need to encourage hunters to have their hunting dogs neutered.
Officials said the practice could help curb uncontrolled breeding and, in turn, reduce cases of animals being abandoned.
The discussion forms part of broader efforts to improve the management of hunting dogs in Cyprus and tackle the problem of stray and abandoned animals.
Authorities seek to connect registration systems
Another issue raised was the need to link the electronic systems used by the relevant authorities.
Officials called for the connection between the Veterinary Services’ official Dog Registration Registry and the Game and Fauna Service’s electronic platform to be accelerated.
The latter is used for the annual issuance of hunting licences and the registration of hunting dogs.
Game Service patrols could help identify strays
The possibility of involving the Game and Fauna Service more closely in managing stray animals was also examined.
Under the proposal, officers could help record and capture stray dogs during patrols in rural areas. They could also assist in recording cats found in uninhabited lowland, semi-mountainous and mountainous areas.
The meeting focused overall on making better use of the responsibilities and resources of the services involved, with the aim of improving animal management and reducing abandonment, the statement said.
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