Police probe alleged mass dog killings at Paphos shelter

Paphos police are investigating allegations that multiple dogs were illegally killed at a private shelter, with a formal complaint triggering a criminal probe.

The complaint, made public by municipal councillor Kyriakos Savvas on Friday, alleges that dogs were put down on five separate dates between January 27 and February 16, including claims that 40 animals were killed in a single day.

 One incident on February 1 is said to have been observed by an eyewitness.

The filing was submitted by a former volunteer to the police, the animal welfare commissioner’s office and political and organised bodies.

Savvas said the case raises “serious questions” about whether the animals were genuinely incurable or dangerous as required by law, whether euthanasia was carried out by a registered veterinarian and whether mandatory procedures were followed.

He also questioned whether the public had been misled, given the shelter’s portrayal as a “no kill” facility and cited reports that some alleged killings occurred outside working hours.

The police confirmed the investigation, with deputy police chief Michalis Nicolaou informing that a complaint had been received and assigned to the force’s animal abuse unit.

“The case has been allocated for investigation,” he affirmed.

Savvas called for an immediate, full criminal inquiry, public clarity from veterinary authorities and safeguards for animals still at the shelter.

He urged continued public support, saying donations should continue as “the animals depend on it,” while stressing that his intervention concerns transparency and accountability at leadership level.