Πρόνοιες για τη σύσταση της Παγκύπριας Συντονιστικής Επιτροπής για την Ευημερία των ζώων

Αλλαγή ποινών

Εναρμόνιση των προστίμων και ποινών με ΕΕ

The law itself has successfully transposed the requirements of EC Directive 1999/22, relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos. However, the investigation has revealed systemic problems in the enforcement of the law (Regulation 81/2002), which appears to be as a result of minimal knowledge and interpretation of the requirements by the authorities, rather than a lack of willingness to comply with the legal requirements. Nine zoos in Cyprus were assessed as part of the investigation, only one of which is licensed (at the time of the investigation), but none of which met the minimum requirements as specified by Cypriot zoo law.

This investigation is part of an extensive EU-wide zoo project that involves 21 EU countries and a total of 200 zoos. The EU Zoo Inquiry was initiated, fully funded and executed by the international wildlife NGO, the Born Free Foundation, on behalf of the European coalition ENDCAP. It is an independent study, which has not been instigated by the European Commission, however, the Commission is fully aware of the investigation and its objectives, and officials have expressed an interest to carefully examine the study’s outcomes. On 2^nd February 2011, the Cyprus report alone with reports on four other countries was launched at the European Parliament and European Commission.

The aim of The EU Zoo Inquiry 2011 is to evaluate the implementation and enforcement of the EC Directive 1999/22 (relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos), its transposition into national law, national enforcement of that law and the status and performance of zoos in compliance with their legal requirements. A report will be produced for each country, along with a further assessment of the effectiveness of the EC Directive 1999/22. All reports and supporting information can be found at www.euzooinquiry.eu

The Born Free Foundation and ENDCAP Member NGOs would like this process to be as constructive as possible. We have already opened dialogue with the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment and the Department of Veterinary Services in Cyprus and together, we are drafting a work plan with realistic milestones to achieve full compliance with the law. This will include the training of enforcement/veterinary personnel to ensure effective enforcement.