In June 2008, The Republic of Cyprus ratified The Lisbon Treaty.  The Treaty was passed by member states of the European Union and came into force on 1st December 2009.  It recognises that:-

"In formulating and implementing the Union's agriculture, fisheries, transport, internal market, research and technological development and space policies, the Union and the Member States shall, since animals are sentient beings, pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals, while respecting the legislative or administrative provisions and customs of the Member States relating in particular to religious rites, cultural traditions and regional heritage."  

We, the undersigned, being residents of The Republic of Cyprus and the European Union urge Mr Nicos Anastasiades, President of The Republic of Cyprus to fulfil his country's obligations under the Lisbon Treaty to recognise animals as sentient beings that are able to feel pain and distress.

We would also respectfully request The President to widen the scope of The Lisbon Treaty parameters, by accepting that companion animals, wild animals (including wild birds) and captive wild animals fall within the designation of sentient beings, alongside farm animals and animals kept for laboratory and research purposes.

By following in the footsteps of EU partners Austria, Germany, Switzerland and, more recently, France, who now recognise animals are not objects but are beings of sentience, Cyprus will aspire to make a significant change in the lives of animals living in their country. 

We all know in our hearts that animals feel pain and suffering.  We believe it's now time for Cyprus to take the issue of animal welfare to the next level and ensure that animal abusers are punished effectively and made to face the consequences of their actions and their crimes.  As human beings we have a duty to animals to prevent suffering, be it psychological or physical. Acts of animal abuse and cruelty shame Cyprus on a daily basis.  The citizens of Cyprus are suffering terribly by witnessing these barbaric practices and the citizens of the EU are suffering to by viewing images of the abject cruelty on social media.

The time for change is now!  Please sign the petition to help end animal abuse in Cyprus by changing the status of animals from objects to beings of sentience, able to feel pain and distress.

Terrible living conditions for a dog.​

Dead Farm Animals​

Dogs Kept in Rabbit Hutches in Municipality Dog Pound​

Abused and neglected dog​

 Cats and Kittens suffer terribly