COUNTDOWN FOR THE ANIMAL POLICE

 Filenews 5 November 2020 - by Michalis H'Vassilis

The debate on a bill providing for the establishment of an Animal Police, which was a fixed request of animal welfare organisations, was concluded yesterday by the House Committee on Legal Affairs. All sides of the Commission agree on its need to stop the phenomenon of animal abuse.

A total of eight police officers in Cyprus, with a chief officer, will deal exclusively with animal abuse cases, assisted by members of community policing and cooperate with the provincial offices of the Department of Veterinary Services.

Under the bill, police officers who make up the Animal Police will receive appropriate training at the time of their appointment from the Chief of Police and then, at regular intervals, appropriate training in investigating cases of animal abuse and abuse. Members of the Animal Police are investigating cases involving any of the following:

(a) Cases in which a person administers or supplies any poison or other harmful substance to an animal or causes such a substance to be taken from any animal or, being the owner or keeper of an animal, authorises the administration or supply of poison or other harmful substance to an animal.

(b) The roaming of an animal in any way in a state of horrible death.

(c) The killing of an animal for entertainment purposes or other unacceptable purposes, including the use of an animal as a training target.

(d) The organisation of matches between animals or animals during which the animal is mistreated or killed.

(e) The use of live animals to train dogs or control their aggression, except when dogs are trained or tested in an artificial nest and under conditions laid down by regulations.

(f) The use of animals for exhibitions, advertisements, film production or similar purposes where this results in pain, suffering or injury to them.

(g) The tethering and towing of an animal to a self-propelled vehicle in such a way as to cause it stress, injury or suffering.

h) The torture of an animal.

The bill will be sent to the parties for amendments within 15 days and then go to plenary for a vote.