A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shocking case of animal cruelty and illegal residence in the Republic, according to the Deryneia Police Station. The man is being investigated for violations of the Animal Welfare Law and illegal stay in Cyprus.
Gruesome discovery in a car park
The incident unfolded on the afternoon of May 7 when police received information that two individuals were allegedly butchering an animal with knives in a car park of an apartment building in the Famagusta district. Police officers immediately arrived at the scene, prompting one of the two individuals to flee, while the 36-year-old suspect remained.
Upon inspection, authorities found plastic bags containing butchered animal parts, along with an axe and five knives. When questioned, the suspect claimed that the animal was a kangaroo and that he had obtained it from another person in the Paralimni area. Veterinary Services confirmed that the remains were indeed those of an adult kangaroo, which has since been taken for further examination.
Suspect’s illegal residence status
The suspect was transferred to the Deryneia Police Station, where it was determined that he had been illegally residing in Cyprus after his application for asylum was rejected in 2022. A court warrant was issued for his arrest, and he is now being held for further questioning.
The Deryneia Police Station continues its investigation into the matter, seeking to identify the second suspect who fled the scene.
Also read: Police say animal abuse cases on the rise
Update:
A follow-up investigation revealed that the kangaroo was intended to be used for food. Police have not yet disclosed how the kangaroo was acquired, but the suspect stated that it was given to him by another individual in Paralimni. Authorities are now working to identify the source of the animal and whether it was imported legally or kept privately before the incident.
