Ι respectfully ask for your support for a serious violation of animal welfare rights and administrative abuse currently taking place in Cyprus, concerning myself and my companion animals (two goats, Hector and Bertha, and one sheep, Granfunkel).

On 24 April 2025, I officially addressed a registered letter to the Director of Veterinary Services of Cyprus, Mr. Christodoulos Pippis, denouncing the arbitrary and selective prosecution initiated against me. This action appears to have been triggered by a private complaint from an individual with known political/business influence, allegedly following intervention by circles close to the Presidential Office.

The prosecution against me is not based on any proven violation of applicable laws or regulations. Instead, it constitutes an abuse of authority and selective targeting for private interests, in clear violation of the principles of equality before the law, proportionality, and the right to private and family life.

Summary of the Legal Grounds and Arguments:

Article 13 TFEU – Recognition of animals as sentient beings, imposing an obligation on Member States to respect animal welfare in their policies.
Regulation (EU) 2016/429 – Animal Health Law, allowing differentiation for non-commercial or companion purposes.
European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals (ETS No. 125) – Recognizing emotional bonds with companion animals, irrespective of species.
Article 7 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU – Protection of private and family life.
Principle of Proportionality – Requiring measured administrative actions, especially where no public health risk exists.
Despite the absence of any risk to public health or animal welfare, and despite maintaining excellent conditions of care, I am being subjected to proceedings that far exceed what is necessary, reasonable, or lawful.

I respectfully request your intervention, assistance, or support in bringing attention to this matter at the appropriate European level, and in ensuring that:

Animal welfare and human rights are duly respected in Cyprus,
Administrative authorities refrain from selective or abusive enforcement practices,
Companion animals, regardless of species, are afforded proper recognition and protection in line with European law and principles.

Please find below the letter addressed to the Direcor of Veterinary Services

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To: Director of Veterinary Services of Cyprus
Mr. Christodoulos Pipis
Veterinary Services
1417 Nicosia

RECOMMENDED AND BY EMAIL
April 24, 2025

Dear Sir,

Subject: Complaint regarding selective and abusive treatment — Goats as companion animals

With this letter, I formally denounce the arbitrary and selective persecution I have faced from the Veterinary Services, following a complaint by a private individual with known political/business influence, and after intervention by circles close to the Presidential Office (as he claims), concerning my ownership of companion animals (2 goats (Hector and Bertha) and one sheep (Granfunkel) on my property.

This persecution is not based on any documented violation of laws or regulations but on an abuse of power and selective targeting to serve private interests, in complete violation of the principles of equality, proportionality, and respect for private life.

In a letter I sent to the Community Council of Agios Tychonas on February 21, 2023—before any complaint was even filed against me—I had requested permission to keep these animals (see attached).

Following your swift actions (judging by the speed of your response compared to serious animal welfare cases), a team from the Limassol Veterinary Services visited my property. Your colleagues, who were very courteous, DID NOT identify any issues regarding the treatment or living conditions of the animals but informed me of your personal involvement in the matter, with clear instructions to prosecute me.

Citing European and Cypriot legislation, I highlight the following legal grounds and arguments:

1. Article 13 TFEU — Recognition of Animals as "Sentient Beings"
Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) recognizes animals as sentient beings, obliging member states to consider their welfare in policymaking.
In Cyprus, this principle is incorporated through the Animal Protection and Welfare Law (No. 46(I)/1994, as amended). Keeping my goats as companion animals aligns with their welfare and protection under this law.

2. European Animal Health Regulation — Regulation (EU) 2016/429
Regulation (EU) 2016/429 governs the health and traceability of "kept animals," particularly in farming and commerce. However, it allows differentiation based on the use of animals, including non-commercial or companion purposes.
My goats:

Are not used for production (milk/meat),
Are not bred for sale,
Do not enter the food chain.
Thus, I request their exemption from strict commercial farming regulations and their classification as "companion or non-production animals."
3. European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals (ETS No. 125)
Cyprus has ratified this Convention (Law 3(III)/1995), which does not limit companion animals to dogs or cats. Instead, it focuses on the human-animal bond, recognizing that any animal can be a companion if kept for non-commercial purposes and with emotional ties.
My goats:

Live in a clean, safe environment,
Have access to veterinary care,
Receive daily care and human interaction,
fully meeting the Convention’s criteria.
4. Article 7 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights — Respect for Private and Family Life
The Charter, binding in Cyprus, guarantees respect for private and family life. My goats are part of my household, and any unwarranted interference violates this right.

5. Principle of Proportionality and Balance
Even if basic requirements (e.g., tagging, reporting) apply, they must be implemented proportionally. Imposing intensive farming standards on a non-commercial, domestic setting is unreasonable.

Cyprus & Greece Legal Framework
Law 46(I)/1994 applies to all animals under human care, requiring:
Adequate shelter,
Food and clean water,
Medical care,
Social interaction and exercise.
Regulation K.D.P. 95/2021 includes a positive list of companion animals without explicitly prohibiting goats under certain conditions.
Goat Characteristics and Welfare
Goats are highly social and intelligent animals, needing:
Companionship (they must not live alone),
Space to explore and move,
Play and cognitive stimulation.
In Greece and Cyprus, many citizens keep goats without productive use, like others keep parrots or pigs.
Case Law & Practices
France, Belgium, Germany: Recognize the emotional value of goats, sheep, and pigs in property/welfare cases.
Therapy goats: Used for children/the elderly, reinforcing their companion role.
Greece: Court rulings permit rabbits, ponies, and pigs as pets under conditions.
Cyprus: Many citizens already keep goats, sheep, and poultry as companions (see Alphanews, 2023).
Demands
Immediate cessation of all prosecution, as no substantive or sanitary violation exists.
Equal treatment with other citizens who keep animals without persecution.
Internal investigation into whether this intervention was prompted by external political/business pressures.
Official response from the Veterinary Services on the legal basis for this selective enforcement.
Permission to keep my animals pending the investigation.
Your actions constitute a violation of EU and Cypriot law, abuse of power, and selective administrative persecution.
I reserve the right to:

Appeal to the Ombudsman,
Report to EU bodies for breaches of Article 13 TFEU and Article 7 of the Charter,
Take legal action against those responsible for abuse of power and moral harm.
With respect but determination,
Dr. Antonis Theocharous
8 Demokratias St., P.O. Box 20376
Aglantzia, 2107
Tel: 513396
Email: antonis.theocharous@cut.ac.cy

Copies to:
President of the Republic
President of the House of Representatives
Chair and Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources
Chair and Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment
Commissioner for the Environment
Cyprus Animal Party
Federation of Animal Welfare Organizations of Cyprus