The importance of cooperation in protecting the natural environment, preserving wildlife and safeguarding animal welfare was highlighted by Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare Elias Myrianthous.
Speaking at the 60th Regular Pancyprian Conference of the Cyprus Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Federation in Koili, Paphos, Myrianthous said closer collaboration could help address shared environmental and animal welfare concerns.
Unity, cooperation and responsibility
The conference was held under the central theme of “Unity, Cooperation, Responsibility”, principles which Myrianthous said could provide the foundation for a joint effort to protect ecosystems and biodiversity.
He referred to the federation’s long-standing work since its establishment in 1952. Beyond organising and representing hunters, it has undertaken environmental and game conservation initiatives and contributed to the care of wildlife, including in areas affected by wildfires.
Myrianthous also highlighted the role of hunters as people who regularly spend time in the countryside and therefore have direct knowledge of the pressures facing natural habitats and wildlife.
He said hunters’ experience and powers of observation, combined with the timely reporting of risks or suspicious incidents to the relevant authorities, could help prevent fires and tackle illegal activities.
He added that hunting, when practised according to rules, ethical standards and responsible methods, could coexist with the conservation of Cyprus’ natural heritage.
This required respect for species’ breeding seasons, the protection of ecosystems and the responsible care of hunting dogs.
Lifelong responsibility for hunting dogs
Myrianthous placed particular emphasis on owners’ responsibilities towards hunting dogs, stressing that acquiring an animal represents a lifelong commitment.
That responsibility includes providing appropriate living conditions, food and water, exercise, veterinary care and safety. It does not end when an animal grows old, is injured or no longer meets its owner’s expectations during hunting.
He also raised the issue of hunting dogs being abandoned, noting that these animals are exposed to hunger, disease and injury.
Responsibility for their care is then frequently transferred to local authorities, shelters and volunteers with limited resources.
Connecting dog registration systems
The commissioner said his office places particular importance on prevention, especially through the microchipping, registration and neutering of dogs.
Hunters must register their dogs on the Game and Fauna Service platform, have them microchipped and entered in the Veterinary Services registry, and obtain a possession licence from the relevant local authority.
Accurate and up-to-date records can help return lost animals to their owners and support investigations into abandonment cases.
Myrianthous said meetings had been held with representatives of the Game and Fauna Service and the Veterinary Services to discuss upgrading the Veterinary Services’ electronic registry and completing its connection with the Game and Fauna Service platform.
The aim is to ensure that only dogs already entered in the Veterinary Services registry can be declared for hunting when a hunting licence is issued.
Such a system would allow authorities to cross-check information and carry out more effective inspections.
Focus on neutering
The commissioner’s office is also promoting neutering as a way to limit uncontrolled breeding and prevent unwanted births.
Myrianthous called for owners to be properly informed about its benefits and for misconceptions surrounding the practice to be addressed, allowing them to make responsible decisions in consultation with their veterinarian.
He said the federation and hunting associations could play a decisive role by communicating directly with their members.
Education on microchipping and registration, the encouragement of neutering and the responsible care of dogs are essential parts of responsible hunting culture, he added.
Concluding his address, Myrianthous expressed his intention to continue dialogue with the Cyprus Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Federation to identify common solutions concerning environmental protection, wildlife and animal welfare.
He congratulated the federation on organising its 60th conference and wished participants productive discussions.
