Animal Police Cyprus

Official contact information and practical guidance for reporting suspected animal abuse, neglect, cruelty and serious welfare concerns in Cyprus.

Immediate danger or emergency

If an animal or person is in immediate danger, violence is taking place, or urgent intervention is required, contact the emergency services first.

What is the Animal Police?

The Animal Police is a specialised unit of the Cyprus Police. Its role includes handling serious matters concerning animal welfare and improving the investigation of animal mistreatment and abuse. It works with other competent authorities, including the Veterinary Services and animal welfare bodies.

Reports can also be made to a local Police Station, the Neighbourhood Police Officer or the Citizens Line 1460. Official Police guidance states that reports of animal mistreatment or abuse may be made either by name or anonymously.

When should I contact the Animal Police?

Contact the Animal Police when you witness or reasonably suspect animal mistreatment, abuse, deliberate harm or a serious welfare offence. If you are unsure whether the matter is primarily a Police or Veterinary Services issue, either competent authority can be contacted for guidance.

Physical abuse or cruelty

Hitting, violent treatment, deliberate injury, torture or other conduct that causes pain, suffering, injury or fear.

Poisoning or deliberate harm

Suspected poisoning, harmful substances, deliberate killing or other intentional harm to an animal.

Severe neglect

Lack of adequate food or clean water, untreated welfare concerns, or conditions that may seriously compromise the animal’s health and wellbeing.

Exposure to extreme heat

Keeping an animal in a cage, balcony, roof, yard or other unsuitable area without adequate protection from high temperatures, shade or water can constitute passive abuse.

Permanent confinement

Permanent chaining or keeping an animal continuously in a small cage is identified by Cyprus Government welfare guidance as an example of passive abuse.

Abandonment or serious welfare concern

Abandonment, suspected offences involving an animal, or an ongoing situation where police investigation or intervention may be required.

Animal Police contacts by district

The mobile numbers below were introduced for more direct public contact with Animal Police members when they are away from their offices. Office numbers and official emails are also included.

Nicosia District

Mobile: +357 97 849765
Office: 22 802388
Email: lefkosia.animalpolice@police.gov.cy

Limassol District

Mobile: +357 97 849766
Office: 25 805094
Email: lemesos.animalpolice@police.gov.cy

Larnaca District

Mobile: +357 97 849767
Office: 24 804038
Email: larnaca.animalpolice@police.gov.cy

Paphos District

Mobile: +357 97 849787
Office: 26 806502
Email: pafos.animalpolice@police.gov.cy

Famagusta District

Mobile: +357 97 849768
Office: 23 803086 / 23 803205
Email: ammochostos.animalpolice@police.gov.cy

Morphou District

Mobile: +357 97 849786
Office: 22 607606
Email: morfou.animalpolice@police.gov.cy

Contact details verified against the official Cyprus Government publication “Σταμάτα τη βία στα ζώα”, GTP 138/2024.

What information should I prepare?

Clear, factual information can help the competent authority assess the complaint more effectively.

Location

Provide the exact location, address, nearby landmark or map pin so the authorities can identify where the animal is kept or where the incident occurred.

What is happening

Describe what you observed, when it happened, how long it has been happening and whether the situation is still ongoing.

Animal details

State the number and type of animals involved and any visible signs of injury, distress, dehydration, heat exposure or poor living conditions.

Photos or video

If it is safe and lawful to do so, keep clear photos or video that show the conditions or incident. Do not trespass or put yourself at risk to obtain evidence.

Urgency

Explain clearly if there is no water or shade, visible injury, collapse, severe heat distress, active violence or another reason why immediate intervention may be necessary.

Contact details

You may provide your details if you are comfortable doing so. Official Police guidance also allows reports of mistreatment or abuse to be made anonymously.

Which service should I contact?

The appropriate first contact depends on the situation. In some welfare cases, both the Police and Veterinary Services may have a role.

Immediate danger or violence

Call 112 or 199 when an animal or person is in immediate danger, violence is taking place, or urgent emergency intervention is required.

Animal Police

Use the Animal Police for suspected abuse, cruelty, poisoning, deliberate harm or other serious animal welfare matters that may require police investigation.

District Veterinary Services

For suspected neglect, unsuitable living conditions, welfare inspections or veterinary assessment, the relevant District Veterinary Services office may also be an appropriate authority.

Injured or seriously ill dog

For an animal that needs immediate medical treatment, contact an available veterinary clinic or animal hospital. If deliberate abuse or another offence is suspected, also inform the competent authorities.

⚠ Important Information

Dogs Cyprus is not a government authority and does not investigate, receive or process official complaints. This page is provided for informational purposes to help the public identify and contact the appropriate authority.

Official sources used: Cyprus Police information on the Animal Police, Cyprus Government publication GTP 138/2024, and Cyprus Government guidance on passive animal abuse. Contact details and procedures may change, so urgent information should always be verified with the relevant authority.