CYPRUS: Special Animal Police task force on its way

Cyprus is soon to see an Animal Police department aiming to protect animals from falling victims of cruelty and torture.

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After several cases of animal cruelty made headlines over the past few months, the Justice Ministry is promoting the creation of an Animal Police department.

The Animal Police will have the responsibility to look into cases of animal cruelty and torture, while the bill will also make it illegal to have animals participating in fights or race events in which the animals are mistreated.

Specifically, officers will be looking into cases involving animal poisoning, causing the death of an animal for recreation or other unacceptable purposes such as target practice.

Also, the proposed law makes it illegal for animals to be used in shows, advertisements or films, if the animals are to be hurt in any way.

Animal Police officers will also be able to intervene in cases of live animals being used for the training of dogs, during which the animals are harmed.

After recent cases of people tying and dragging animals with vehicles, Animal Police officers will have the right to intervene and make the necessary arrests.

They will receive special training in investigating cases of animal cruelty, neglect and ill treatment.

The department is to have island-wide jurisdiction and directly cooperate with community police officers.