Around 45 pupils from Ierokipia A Primary School and Paphos B Primary School-Dimitrion visited the PAWS shelter run by C.A.P.C.A. in Acheleia as part of an animal welfare initiative aimed at teaching children about the needs of companion animals and the responsibilities of caring for them.
The initiative, “Getting to Know Companion Animals: Learning How to Care for Them”, was organised by the Office of the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare in cooperation with the municipalities of Ierokipia and Paphos, ahead of World Animal Day on 4 October.
Children learn about responsible animal care
This year’s message, “We See the World Through the Eyes of Animals”, encouraged pupils to consider how animals experience abandonment and fear, as well as the importance of safety and trust in their relationships with people.
Accompanied by their teachers, the children toured the shelter and learned about its operation and the animals it houses. They asked questions, shared personal experiences and were informed about the requirements of daily animal care.
Senior Veterinary Officer Elena Georgiou spoke to the pupils about responsible care, the importance of identification and sterilisation, and how they should respond in different situations when interacting with animals.
Particular emphasis was placed on how to approach an animal correctly and recognise its reactions and behaviour.
Children were also told that acquiring a companion animal represents a commitment for the entirety of the animal’s life.
The visit prompted mixed emotions. Pupils expressed sadness for animals that had been abandoned, while also enjoying meeting and playing with them.
They asked whether the dogs were happy at the shelter, raised questions about their daily care and expressed a desire to help or even adopt an animal.
Under the guidance and supervision of shelter staff, they played with dogs and showed particular care and affection.
At the end of the visit, pupils completed forms recording their feelings and what they had learned from the experience.
Commissioner highlights education and protection
Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare Ilias Myrianthous said the purpose of the initiative was to allow children to see firsthand how animals that had been abandoned or abused are cared for after finding protection at the shelter.
Myrianthous thanked those running the shelter, particularly Matt Harris, as well as the municipalities of Paphos and Ierokipia and the president of the Paphos District Local Government Organisation for their support.
He stressed that the state, local authorities, animal welfare organisations and citizens all need to contribute to developing respect for animals and protecting them from abuse and abandonment.
Regional shelter planned for Paphos
Myrianthous also referred to the joint effort involving his office, the Paphos municipalities and the Paphos District Local Government Organisation to establish a regional facility for the temporary accommodation of stray animals.
He expressed hope that the project would be completed as soon as possible through cooperation between all the parties involved.
Paphos District Local Government Organisation President Charalambos Pittokopitis said the organisation supports and participates in the efforts of the commissioner and local authorities, particularly the municipalities of Paphos and Ierokipia, to establish a modern stray animal shelter in the district.
He described the facility as necessary and said it was a priority for the organisation and local authorities.
Based on progress so far, Pittokopitis estimated that the shelter could become operational during 2027.
Municipalities back new facility
On behalf of Paphos Municipality, Acting Mayor Angelos Onisiforou and municipal councillor Antonis Christodoulou expressed their support for the commissioner’s work and referred to the municipality’s active role in efforts to establish the new regional shelter.
They said these efforts include consultations with the municipalities of Ierokipia, Akamas and Polis Chrysochous.
They stressed the urgency of the project, with the aim of making it a reality next year, and referred to its financing through contributions from the state and local authorities.
Ierokipia Mayor Nicos Palios welcomed the initiative and stressed the need to give greater attention to animal welfare issues.
He expressed the municipality’s support for the programme and its willingness to contribute to establishing the regional shelter as quickly as possible.
Ierokipia Deputy Mayor Andreas Siikkis highlighted the contribution of the private shelter in Acheleia to caring for stray animals, while also emphasising the responsibility of citizens.
Experience extends beyond the shelter
The questions asked by the children, the concern they showed and their desire to help can provide a starting point for further discussion at school and within their families.
Through such experiences, children can better understand animals’ needs and behaviour and learn that affection for animals also comes with the daily responsibility of caring for them.
The Office of the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare thanked the municipalities of Ierokipia and Paphos for their cooperation, the C.A.P.C.A. shelter team for hosting and supporting the initiative, and the children and teachers for participating.
The PAWS shelter operated by C.A.P.C.A. (Cyprus Association for the Protection and Care of Animals) provides shelter and care for dogs in need of protection until permanent homes can be found.
Its operation relies primarily on volunteers, who dedicate their time and personal effort to the animals’ daily care and to promoting adoptions.
