The Office of the Environment Commissioner, Theodosia Antoniou, has identified a legislative gap in national law following an incident involving a caretta caretta sea turtle in the Chloraka area, noting that legislation does not explicitly criminalise disrespectful or improper handling of a dead animal, regardless of whether it belongs to a protected species.
Need for further legal examination
In a statement, the Commissioner’s Office described the issue as a legislative gap requiring further study, both regarding possible criminalisation and the scope and content of any such regulation, including comparative review of legal frameworks in other jurisdictions.
The statement also outlined national and EU laws governing the protection of sea turtles, their nesting and breeding sites, and the prohibition of killing or disturbing them.
Protocol for injured or dead turtles
The Office referred to a Fisheries Department protocol for managing injured or dead sea turtles. Under the protocol, citizens who find an injured or dead turtle must immediately contact the Fisheries and Marine Research Department.
When a dead turtle is located, local authorities must collect and manage the animal in line with existing health regulations, while the department may take samples for scientific analysis where necessary.
Ethical responsibility and public sector duty
The Commissioner stressed that treating animals disrespectfully, even after death, contradicts the values of a modern and sensitive society and constitutes blameworthy conduct.
Respect for nature and wildlife, the statement added, reflects ethics, education and collective responsibility, placing particular duty on public and wider public sector employees to perform their roles with exemplary responsibility and professionalism.
Ongoing investigations and next steps
The Office has sent a letter to the Chief of Police requesting evaluation of audiovisual material and social media posts linked to the incident and continues to monitor the criminal process.
Following police investigations, the case now lies before the Law Office under the charge of public nuisance, while the west Paphos community complex has appointed two investigating officers to conduct a disciplinary inquiry.
Awareness event planned in Chloraka
At the same time, the Office highlighted the need to strengthen education and training for local government staff. In cooperation with the Chloraka Cultural and Environmental Association, it will hold an information event on 4 March 2026 at the Vrisi Cultural Centre in Chloraka.
The event, titled “Wildlife welfare as an indicator of civilisation – Legislation and practices”, will include participation from the Environment Department, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, and the Game and Fauna Service. It aims to provide detailed information, clarify regulations and practices, and promote further cooperation in wildlife management.
Source: CNA
Also read: FOE Cyprus urges full investigation of turtle abuse in Chloraka
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