Cyprus Animal Party calls for release of funds for cat sterilization program

The Animal Party of Cyprus has expressed concern regarding delays in the implementation of the government-backed cat sterilization program. The party reports that the project, intended to cover the period from 2026 to 2029, remains pending due to a lack of funding approval. Specifically, the Ministry of Finance has yet to release the allocated budget of 300,000 euros. Although the program was scheduled to commence in January 2026 following approval by the Council of Ministers, administrative bottlenecks have hindered its start. The Animal Party acknowledged that the Veterinary Services are currently burdened by efforts to manage foot-and-mouth disease, but urged the Ministry of Finance to prioritize the release of the funds. The party continues to lobby for immediate action to ensure the program begins without further delay. No official statement from the Ministry of Finance regarding the current timeline or reasons for the delay has been released.