A public outcry has erupted in Cyprus over the ban on pets in emergency shelters, prompting the Civil Defense Commissioner, Maria Papa, to clarify the policy’s rationale while announcing that the authorities are now “having second thoughts.”
Speaking on the morning show Alpha Kalimera on Monday, Commissioner Papa explained that the initial decision was based on the fact that shelters accommodate large numbers of people in confined spaces, including individuals with severe phobias or allergies.
Acknowledging the backlash from pet owners, many of whom have stated they would rather stay home in a crisis than abandon their beloved animals, the Commissioner noted that a compromise is being sought. “We are reconsidering whether we can designate specific shelters where pets would be allowed,” Papa stated. “However, finalizing this will take time as we must examine multiple aspects of the issue.”
The challenges of allowing pets at emergency shelters
The Commissioner defended the original reasoning, citing the physical limitations of existing infrastructure:
- Space & ventilation: Most shelters are located in basements or enclosed underground areas.
- Crowding: High population density in these areas makes animal management difficult.
- Signage & logisitics: Initial assessments found that the current number of shelters did not easily allow for a clear division between “pet-friendly” and “pet-free” zones.
“We are trying to find a solution that satisfies both groups: those who have issues coexisting with animals and those who view their pets as family members,” she added. Despite the general uncertainty, Commissioner Papa confirmed one absolute rule: Service and guide dogs will be granted entry to all shelters without exception.
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