Animal Shelter Expansion in Paliometocho: Funding Request Submitted

The consortium of the Municipalities of Nicosia, Strovolos, and Lakatamia submitted a request to the Veterinary Services for funding to upgrade and expand the animal shelter in Paliometocho. The project, which is already underway, is seeking funding from the €1.5 million fund available from the state since 2021 for animal welfare projects.

According to Yiannis Ioannou, Deputy Director of the Veterinary Services, the Paliometocho shelter is the only one that has secured a planning permit and can apply for an operating license and state funding. The Veterinary Services will form a three-member committee to examine the application.

Ira Tselepou, Technical Engineer of the Municipality of Strovolos, stated that the project is divided into two phases. The first phase, expected to be completed on October 31, 2025, includes improvement works and fencing. The second phase includes the expansion of the accommodation areas. The shelter faces overcrowding problems, as it can accommodate 60-70 animals.

Meanwhile, the process of inspecting animal shelters, which began in April 2025, is ongoing. The Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, announced that the Veterinary Services are conducting inspections of shelters.