Animal Party Cyprus reports organized cat abductions and delays in sterilization programs

The Animal Party Cyprus has formally denounced the alleged organized abduction of cats following reports from volunteers and citizens in late January 2026. Volunteers Maria Kyriakou and Christiana Constantinou reported that a woman, identified in one instance as a German national, was seen on CCTV trapping cats outside a supermarket in Latsia on January 22. While the suspect claimed to have taken the animals to a veterinarian for treatment, volunteers assert the cats remain missing and have criticized the police for failing to conduct a thorough investigation. The Animal Party argues that the lack of microchips should not preclude legal action, as these animals were under the care of volunteers. Additionally, the party is demanding updates on a government sterilization program announced on October 4, 2025, with a budget increased from 100,000 to 300,000 euros. Although the program was scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026, the party claims there has been no evidence of its implementation or progress on other projects, such as a dog shelter in Paliometocho. Authorities are being urged to increase surveillance at ports and airports to prevent the potential illegal export of these animals.