Following our press release on 26 March titled “Prohibition of exercising and training hunting dogs during the nesting and breeding season of wild birds and game species, in accordance with current legislation,” our Environmental Policy Officer, Kleitos Papastylianou, and Executive Director, Koulla Michael, took part in radio programmes to explain our position.
“On 7 and 14 March, three decrees were issued allowing the training of hunting dogs from 7 March to 14 July in 42 areas across Cyprus.
Thirteen of these areas fall within the Natura 2000 Network, affecting 16 protected sites. However, the problem goes beyond protected zones and species.
Despite promises to enforce the law this year, which clearly prohibits any disturbance of species or their habitats during nesting and breeding, the decrees were still issued — under pressure. Instead of being satisfied with 42 areas, some individuals blocked highways demanding unrestricted access.
We have sent two letters to the Ministry of Interior demanding the withdrawal of the decrees and the enforcement of a proper protection system for wildlife during this sensitive period.
It is contradictory for some hunters to protest that game populations are declining while supporting actions that disrupt the very process of their recovery.
Freedom of expression is a right. Education and healthcare are rights. Hunting, however, is a privilege — and as such, it comes with strict terms, conditions, and limits.”
