Dog walking rules and regulations for the Limassol Multifunctional Seaside Park

With regard to the above matter, the Limassol Municipality would like to clarify the following:

1. The Limassol Municipal Council decided on 31/5/2017 to introduce restrictive measures in respect of dog walking in the multifunctional seaside park. This decision constitutes a reiteration of a previous decision taken by the Municipal Council on 11/7/2007.

2. The decision was taken under the Municipality’s duty to ensure public safety and health in all public spaces managed by the Municipality. The decision concerns a particular park that has evolved into a popular public space frequented on a daily basis by hundreds of families and children.

3. The decision was deemed necessary following many complaints from citizens regarding the serious pollution of these areas and the danger to public health arising from many dog owners not taking the required measures. Concerns were also expressed about the safety of children approached by unleashed dogs in the park.

Despite the Municipality’s efforts and a slew of measures taken (installation of dog waste bins, day-to-day supervision by Municipal Officials, distribution of enlightening material etc.) and due to the non-deterrent fines provided for by the legislation, some dog owners continue to disrespect their fellow citizens while frequenting the park.

4. Any attempt to promote the matter as a dispute between those who love animals and those who do not is unfounded. The majority of citizens who contacted the Municipality to express their worries about the situation are animal lovers and pet owners, who agree that a society cannot remain idle when it comes to the health of the community, or blind to the impact of this danger, no matter how insignificant it may be, thus jeopardizing the safety of our children. 

5. The Mayor of Limassol, considering this issue to be a broader issue of the society of Limassol, engaged in an online interactive dialogue with the citizens, within the framework of the Municipality’s principle of public debate when it comes to all issues concerning our Municipality. We are more than willing to hold a meeting and continue this debate with citizens and organised groups. We firmly believe that through democratic dialogue, we will be able to regulate responsibly all kinds of issues affecting us and our everyday life.

6. In reference to our animal policy, we want to emphasize that the Limassol Municipality adopts pet-friendly policies through a series of practices and measures by:

• Supporting sterilization and adoption programs for stray animals and adopting measures to end euthanasia policy.
• Recording and electronically identifying all pets located within the Limassol Municipality boundaries.
• Investigating immediately all types of complaints and denunciations concerning poisoning and animal abuse cases in cooperation with competent authorities.  
• Informing citizens about animal protection and welfare issues.
• Supporting voluntary organizations promoting animal welfare issues.
• Installing additional dog waste bins to cover more areas.
• Identifying an area intended for the creation of an off-leash park.   

7. Indeed, there is room for improving and upgrading our policies to protect the welfare of our pets. The Municipality will continue to pursue this by seeking and building on the cooperation and help of all citizens who wish to contribute to this effort.