Cyprus Civil Defence updates policy on pets in public shelters

The Cyprus Civil Defence service has implemented a ban on domestic animals in public shelters, as announced by Director Maria Papa on the Alpha Kalimera program. The primary justification for this measure is to ensure the health and safety of displaced civilians, specifically accounting for individuals with animal allergies or phobias. Officials emphasized that shelters must accommodate large numbers of people in constrained spaces, making the management of pets logistically challenging. However, assistance dogs for individuals with disabilities are explicitly exempt from this restriction and are permitted to enter. The policy has triggered significant public backlash, with many pet owners stating they would refuse to seek shelter if it meant abandoning their animals. In response to these concerns, Director Papa confirmed that the authority is currently reconsidering the policy. Specifically, they are exploring the feasibility of designating certain shelters as pet-friendly, though officials noted that a formal decision will take time as multiple safety and operational aspects must be evaluated.