Cyprus is known worldwide as the “Island of Cats.” But behind this beautiful image lies a reality of immense and preventable animal suffering.

 

One particularly distressing example is the cat colony at Hala Sultan Tekke by the Larnaca Salt Lake – one of Cyprus’s best-known tourist attractions.

 

Numerous cats are living there in unacceptable conditions. Sick animals are left without treatment for far too long, unneutered cats continue to reproduce, and more and more kittens are born into an environment where they have little chance of survival.

 

Most shocking of all: decomposing bodies of cats have been found close to the feeding areas – in the very same place where mother cats and tiny kittens are trying to survive.

 

And this is not an isolated incident.

 

Repeatedly over the past several years, rescuers have had to take severely sick cats and kittens from this location into their care. Some were already in such a critical condition that, despite intensive veterinary treatment, they could not be saved and died after considerable suffering.

 

These animals should never have been allowed to reach such a condition.

 

In 2018, rescuers removed almost the entire cat population from this location. Yet without consistent neutering, veterinary care and long-term monitoring, the colony has grown again.

The lesson is clear: removing cats without addressing the underlying causes does not provide a lasting solution.

 

This cycle must finally be broken.

 

Volunteer rescuers cannot be expected to continually pick up the pieces and try to save animals while the conditions causing disease, suffering and death remain unchanged.

 

We call on the responsible authorities in Cyprus to:

 

* implement a permanent and effective neutering/TNR programme at Hala Sultan Tekke;

* ensure that sick and injured cats receive timely veterinary treatment;

* regularly monitor and document the cat population;

* take effective measures to prevent the abandonment of further cats at this location;

* ensure safe and hygienic conditions around the feeding areas;

* and work together with experienced animal rescuers to establish a long-term and accountable solution.

 

Cyprus promotes its image as the “Island of Cats.” Every year, thousands of tourists see these cats as part of the idyllic image of the island.

 

An island that proudly embraces the image of the “Island of Cats” must also take responsibility for their welfare.

 

Please sign and share this petition.

 

We do not need more cats to be rescued only when it is already too late.

We need lasting change.

 

Neutering. Veterinary care. Monitoring. Responsibility.

 

Now – not in another eight years.