Over 2,000 innocent animals at Animal Rescue Cyprus (ARC) in Paphos are facing death.

The Cypriot government has ordered ARC to shut down by the end of this year — and any animals that cannot be relocated in time will be killed.

These are not numbers. These are living souls:

• Disabled dogs and cats
• Elderly rescues
• Animals recovering from abuse
• Long-term shelter animals who cannot be rehomed quickly
• Injured wildlife currently under treatment

All of them now face a government-issued deadline that may end their lives.

 

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

Sources confirm that local authorities want the shelter land cleared for a tourist development project.

This means:

Tourism over life. Profit over compassion. Development over dignity.

ARC has operated for decades, rescuing Cyprus’ abandoned, abused, and injured animals — doing the government’s job for them.

Now those same animals may be killed to “make space.”

This is unacceptable.

 

THE DEADLINE: 31 DECEMBER 2025

If ARC cannot move all 2,000+ animals by this date:

Any “unmovable” animals will be euthanized.
Animals deemed unfit for transport will be destroyed.
Elderly and disabled rescues — who survived cruelty — will be killed because they are inconvenient.

This is a mass killing disguised as relocation.

 

WHAT WE DEMAND:

We call on the Cyprus Government, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Municipality of Paphos, and all relevant EU authorities to:

1. Halt the closure of Animal Rescue Cyprus (ARC) Until a humane, safe, and fully-funded relocation plan is established.
2. Guarantee ZERO killing of animals. No animal should be euthanized due to administrative pressure or development projects.
3. Provide emergency government support. Including relocation assistance, temporary facilities, veterinary support, and funding.
4. Investigate the decision to demolish the shelter for tourism. The public deserves transparency, accountability, and ethical compliance.

 

WHY THE WORLD MUST ACT

Cyprus proudly promotes itself as a tourist paradise.

But what kind of paradise kills animals to make room for attractions?

International pressure can stop this.

The government will act if the world is watching.

Your signature can help save thousands of lives.

With this we have also set up a fundraiser

To help us save the animals directly:
Donate here: https://whydonate.com/fundraising/were-losing-our-shelter-please-help-us-rebuild?fbclid=IwY2xjawOQ8PxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6YUb3avx-Kk12tnkczxKZ0k0iMLtmIRsntNnpdFhezpokX8rinDSc02FHE6Q_aem_zonX584JdcCPp_UlG_YXng

 

SIGN NOW — AND SHARE THIS PETITION GLOBALLY

The animals of ARC cannot speak for themselves.

We are their voice.

And we refuse to let them be erased.

Help us show the government, the EU, and the world that these lives matter.

Sign. Share. Save them.