Cyprus cat neutering scheme set to expand

The nationwide cat neutering program is slated to expand in October as the animal welfare commission looks for extra resources to curb the island’s stray cat numbers.

On Tuesday, Commissioner Elias Myrianthos met with veterinary services representatives to discuss the expansion and the idea of marking cats at the same time they are neutered.

The commissioner’s office said it will examine additional funding beyond the current budget to broaden the scheme, and the meeting also covered authorising volunteers to perform trapping, neutering and reintegration (TNR) operations. Veterinary services agreed to push forward the authorisation process after requests from animal welfare groups.

The discussion also touched on handling abandoned animals and temporary housing for strays, with both sides committing to help EOAs set up regional temporary shelters.