The Department of Forests is promoting the creation of a unified and operational framework to manage stray and uncontrolled dogs identified in the Paphos State Forest, according to a report by local media.
A high-level interagency meeting is taking place on Monday, 6 July 2026, chaired by the Director of the Department of Forests Savvas Iezekiel, with participation from all relevant authorities.
Agencies including the Police, the Game and Fauna Service, Veterinary Services, and district self-governing organisations have been invited to attend.
Growing ecological concerns
The issue in Paphos Forest has escalated into a serious ecological concern, with authorities warning of increased pressure on wildlife, particularly the protected Cyprus mouflon.
Officials also cite risks to visitors and staff, as well as concerns over potential transmission of zoonotic diseases.
Proposed management framework
The meeting is expected to address key issues such as incident recording, reporting procedures, clarification of responsibilities, and the capture and temporary sheltering of animals.
Authorities will also examine preventive measures to reduce abandonment cases, alongside public awareness campaigns targeting local communities.
Legal framework and enforcement options
Current legislation already allows the Police and the Game and Fauna Service to proceed, at their discretion, with the culling of stray animals under strict conditions, particularly where there is proven and immediate harm to wildlife or livestock.
According to the report, the Department of Forests aims to activate and systematise these procedures within Paphos Forest to deal with dogs posing a verified threat and prevent further damage to the ecosystem.
The objective is to establish a clear and enforceable action protocol with defined roles and rapid intervention mechanisms where necessary.
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