Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

I make no apologies for this post - I am just going to say what I am now seeing after 12 years of visiting this island. The dog situation is now out of control. There are so many 'packs' of stray dogs roaming about at all hours that I fear folks may soon be in danger from them. I envisage people saying that they love this island apart from the 'dog' problem. All of this part of the island really does rely on visitors and tourism - how long before they report - 'super place' but wild packs of dogs can be a problem?? Who would want to place a child within that environment? We Brits would not in any way tolerate roaming packs of stray dogs at home -so why do we do it here?
I know there will be a backlash to this post but you now what, somebody had to say it!

where are these wild dogs

the 'wild' or should have I said stray dogs are everywhere on this part of the island.

Journey1-Agree with you totally,but complaining (Justifiably) on here about dogs will get you nowhere.
You will however invoke the wrath of the doggy folk ,or 'Terrierists' as I call them.
Good luck to you.

I think the situation will get worse, simply because the government has brought in a new rule, saying all dogs must be registered, the whole process costs approx 125tl per dog. So a lot of people, will turn their dogs loose rather than pay and risk a hefty fine.

Philoz - Metin - right with you there! It needs to be acknowledged for the reality that it is - I don't care about the backlash as long as there is an honest and clear debate about it. la la land it may be but, we still need parameters for the basics and for me that includes no stray packs of dogs roaming around in such numbers on a small part of an island.

I don't think anyone would deny there is a problem here, but what is your solution? If we are talking euthanasia then it has to be done in a proper and humane manner.

The only way to start to solve the problem is with the dog registration, that has already happened. The next logical step is to report the stray animals - those without collars, to the local municipality and keep doing it!!!! It is not in peoples nature to have a dog destroyed - strange that they will go to war and kill each other! - but looking at it in black and white, what is another solution?

The RSPCA in the UK receives more threats and abuse for doing its job in controlling a similar problem there, so there is nothing new.

Metin it cost 82tl in total to chip and register my dog. For info, the chipping costs 70tl but Garfield in Lapta charge 60tl if you are chipping multiple dogs. It costs 12tl to register with the belediye as it has always done (for a dog, not sure about bitches).

A bitch cost 35tl to register.i actually thought there were less dogs around since they bought in the new law, I was told the belediye were rounding up any strays and taking them to shelters .they are given 1 month to be claimed or find a home then they will be put down.i dont believe chipping your dog will make a huge difference, I think more puppies will be dumped, I think to have your dog chipped should be the choice of the owner. Also its a cyprus chip, not an international so you cant take it out the countryi am told, if your dog is not chipped then you do not own the dog, they can take it away, so in my opinion, you are making that dog homeless.i do agree something needs to be done about the dog problem, taking my dog for a walk and having 6 strays following you did make me feel a little uneasy

No true dog lover liked seeing packs of feral dogs, or individual strays suffering. Apart from anything else as vonnie says it puts our domesticated dogs at risk. What does invoke the wrath of people who are helping the community at large as well as the animals at their own considerable expense, Philoz, is people sniping at them and interupting serious discussions designed to promote the welfare of animals and help their carers.

The problem is not specific to North Cyprus: I had Italian friends staying recently and they said they had a similar problem in Italy and all over Europe, and I have heard it is also a problem in the USA.

Microchipping has simply put an extra financial burden on people who are already struggling because of the increasing cost of the strays they care for; and inevitably means some will be unable to continue to subsidise the community of Government an abandon dogs they are caring for.

Bearing in mind religious objections to killing healthy animals, and the cost of drugs for painless euthanisia: the solution is long term: Enforce the laws against dangerous dogs to prevent them interbreeding with strays, encourage neutering with strong financial incentives, and (except in certain exeptional circumstances) put a moritorium on the breeding and importation of dogs until the stray situation is under control.

vonni it is 12tl for a female if she has been "done"

ragged robin-I didn't start the thread,and I have personally supported animal charities here quite considerably as well as taking on unwanted animals -I think it is you who are doing the 'sniping'.
You need to accept that on an open forum there may be folk who(God forbid) have an alternate point of view, I think you need to respect that.

Philoz: I didnt object to the thread or the op. In fact I welcome it - the problem of stray dogs is a serious one and deserves serious ,informed , discussion by everyone and as such I hope it will be allowed to remain in the main Forum.

However, your comment did not add anything to the discussion: it was just (as you have done previously)"having a go" at people who care for dogs who have enough problems as it is, and dont deserve it and as such was off topic anyway. If you had put a serious suggestion about how the solve the problem, I would have no grounds for complaint, even if I disagreed.

To get back on topic, Munchkin makes a valid point. I seem to remember a newspaper article saying the authorities had introduced microchipping "in line with European legislation" (which is rather worrying in itself). Does anyone have any knowledge of what that legislation is and what it says should be done with unchipped strays?

Google OIE Guidelines on stray dogs!

I totally agree with Philoz, Metin and Journey1 re the stray dog situation getting out of hand.

I can't see where anyone was ''having a go'' at responsible dog owners who keep their pets under control.

I and friends have seen first hand what some of these packs are capable of, cats and small dogs being ripped to pieces. Some of them much loved pets.

But there are certain people who will not have a word said against dogs even wild ones and I think the 3 posters were very brave to voice what after all is only the truth.

The situation is becoming worse and as many people have said in the past, it is only a matter of time before a human, probably a small child, is attacked.

The solution? Imho,euthanasia, round them up, if they are not claimed or homed within a week, put them gently to sleep. I am sure there are many people who would contribute to the costs.

For the benefit of anyone else who was confused OIE an acronysm for the World Organisation for Animal Health. It is a lengthy document, and I dont think it is very relevant to conditions in North Cyprus, though it does tend to support that neutering, rather than euthenasia for healthy animals. I did also try to goolgle UK regulations regarding Microchipping - if I read it correctly dogs inthe UK must be chipped by April 2016! But Ic ouldnt find a recent article on it. Perhaps someone who has been in theUK morre recently may be able to throw some light. Of course there have been some horrific attacks on children by dogs in the UK but these were not wild, feral or stray dogs, but large (sometimes classified as dangerous) dogs in acknowledged ownership.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/all- ... microchips



KAR and BRS have the guidelines on their websites. Surely also a Veterinary Surgery should also have all the information.

Yes Dalartokat : I was really trying to find out what the European Legislation was and whether there was any info on the effect micropchpping had had in other places and stray dog problems. It appears the UK legislation hasnt been effected yet.

With all due respect RR. Personally, I don't give a damn what legislation etc etc, relevant or otherwise, is in place in the UK or elsewhere, I live in the TRNC which a much smaller place so obviously, the problem is more concentrated.

I don't have transport but get out and about a lot and it is heartbreaking to see these poor animals who have been tagged and returned or just abandoned, starved and lonely, desperately looking for somewhere cool, barely surviving, I think this is cruel especially in the temperatures that we humans can hardly endure but we can at least return to a home with AC or fans and have shelter, food and water at our disposal.

Not possible, I know but if they were to given a choice I am sure most of them would ask to be put out of their misery.

It breaks my heart to see so many stray dogs around. They are not at fault, however, please remember that. Maybe those who are so disturbed by the problem could get involved in finding a solution rather than just moaning and waiting for someone else to take care of it.

And the really sad part is if a cull is introduced within five years the problem will be back due to the fact people seem to want something and not realise how big it gets, how expensive and a responsibility it is owing a dog. I really hope if a cull takes place the government will be really monitoring owners to prevent history repeating itself.

With KKTC seeking bizonality, which if successful would mean the lifting of the aquis on the current status of Cyprus in the EU, it is pointless to look at what the UK is doing regarding animal welfare and control. Given the chance, the UK government will pull out of the EU anyway, so either look at what the EU is doing or look at what a non-EU country is doing regarding this issue.
As KKTC nearly always follows what Turkey puts in place and given that current peace talks will fail again due to GC intransience, have a read of today’s newspaper - http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/pet-ow ... sCatID=341
This link will take you to a PDF file from Eurogroup For Animals which explains the current situation regarding rules/regulations in the EU - http://eurogroupforanimals.org/files/po ... public.pdf
The RSPCA is a wholly charitable organisation that has excellent web sites offering much information and background information the work they do and the costs involved, they are all worth a read to give you background information on what is not a Cyprus problem but is a Worldwide problem.
It is good to see the problem here highlighted on this forum but much research is needed before any action could be taken by anyone.

I hate to say it as private sales will continue but STOP pet shops selling puppies/kittens. The amount of people still buying puppies/kittens is unbelievable, we all know once the kids are bored of them and the adults realise the consequences of full time pet care they will end up on the street, neither vaccinated nor registered.

I have noticed a growing trend on social media here making the puppies seem like the latest trendy accessory, that like a handbag needs no real attention or care. The owners seem unaware they have a living thing dependant upon them. I know it is only a small step but if they could somehow make it illegal to trade domestic pets, perhaps every little helps and maybe it would force people to a) go to KAR when they want a pet and b) make breeders think twice when there is no money attached and persuade them to neuter…..

Just my opinion folks.

Thank you everyone who has taken the time to voice their opinion and give information to the forum.
I really do consider the problem to be increasing and I hate seeing the distress some of these poor animals seem to have to survive in. I have no easy solutions to offer but do hope that the registration process will start improving the situation albeit that I expect that there will be a number of 'unclaimed' strays put to sleep
What I really don't want to hear of is someone being attacked whether it is an adult or child.
Where I live in Alsancak, , there are significant packs of dogs roaming around and even beside me, there are a group of 4 who constantly appear on our properties.
At the most recent visit to the Beleyedisi in Alsancak, the response was that they no longer have the right to 'cull' them but individuals can apply to the 'government offices '(no idea where or who they might be) to have the dogs removed. Would that mean they would become someone else's problem or be destroyed? Who would know - I just wish I was really fluent in Turkish.

What needs to happen is to educate the Cypriot people that allowing your dog to breed, then picking the dog they want out of the litter and dumping the rest on the streets is unacceptable. Also noting how all the motorcyclists are abiding by the law and wearing crash helmets,do you honestly think that the locals will register there dogs?

Recognising there is a problem, in the eyes of expats, will do nothing to alter the lifestyle of the citizens of the TRNC. Why can expats not just live their lives as they see fit and leave the locals to do likewise? There are different standards of dress/behaviour/religion/animal welfare/road safety et al - expat missionaries will achieve nothing here and certainly not via forums like this.

tomsteel wrote:Recognising there is a problem, in the eyes of expats, will do nothing to alter the lifestyle of the citizens of the TRNC. Why can expats not just live their lives as they see fit and leave the locals to do likewise? There are different standards of dress/behaviour/religion/animal welfare/road safety et al - expat missionaries will achieve nothing here and certainly not via forums like this.

I would dearly love to live my life as I see fit, a part of that would be to be able to go down the steps to the garage without

a, putting my foot in dog "ooops"
b, having my neighbours Rottweiler following me
c, having to go to the expense of having a gate fitted on the steps to keep the bloody thing out of my garden.

This dog is not chipped or registered, has no collar, is totally untrained and allowed to wander, oh, and it,s owner is a policeman.

tomsteel wrote:Recognising there is a problem, in the eyes of expats, will do nothing to alter the lifestyle of the citizens of the TRNC. Why can expats not just live their lives as they see fit and leave the locals to do likewise? There are different standards of dress/behaviour/religion/animal welfare/road safety et al - expat missionaries will achieve nothing here and certainly not via forums like this.

I am not talking about 'expats' or 'locals', I am talking about stray/wild dogs roaming around in ever increasing numbers. With respect, I consider this public forum an ideal media platform to raise issues of concern and long may it continue to be so.

Ban so called hunting. Think about it. Be a good start.

Why not ban all dogs altogether? Who are we to come to cyprus and educate the cypriots like we know it all.i know many cypriots especially those in the villages that feed stray cats and dogs, its usually the foreigners that dump their dogs, brits have been known to do it.how many students keep dogs but when their course finishes they leave the animals behind..its the same with wearing no helmet, every body does it, because they can.the only way things will change is if the law is upheld, , if its relaxed, nothing will change.

Cases of animal cruelty, neglect and prosecutions have reached an all time record high.
Thousands of abandoned unwanted animals are being put down every year, more than ever before.
It's a horrific and sad situation.
It's across the board,... from dogs to donkeys,... hamsters to horses.

Oh! That's not N Cyprus,... it's the UK!

Dubious 'top' honours go, again, to Yorkshire, my 'home'.

Very depressing.

Makes it hard to criticise any other Country.

Amazing organisations in the UK such as the RSPCA have had to adopt the process of euthanasing unwanted animals, despite chipping and treating them, rather than just releasing them back into a feral life.

Is releasing unwanted animals, even chipped/neutered, back into feral situations really a sensible solution?

To me, it just increases the problem.

Owl, but the RSPCA is run by a board of trustee's and they have just taken the decision to get rid of 177 staff!!! 2 of them the most expierianced and qualified, uniformed, officers!! And you think that the TRNC has no idea about animal control people!!! Its all about money in any country!

I do not believe that any non Cypriot will make any major changes in a country that is not theirs to start with, no matter how hard they try - so long as they remain Temperary Residents!

waddo: message 34 Among the many tragic results of th Global Financial Crises were a worldwide decrease in donations to Charities and an increase in the number of abandoned animals. Without knowing enough to comment on the RSPCAs action you report, it may be they are still suffering the backlash.

Message 24. Thanks for the links. which are interesting.

However people are putting forward various sugggestions as to how to deal with the stray problem according to their own beliefs, experiences , view or prejudices without as far as I can see any supporting evidence as to the effectiveness of the suggested measures. What I am trying to find is whether there is a country (whether or not it is the same size and otherwise comparable to the TRNC) which has implemented for instance, culling, neutering, microchipping and what if any effect they have had on the stray animal population. It would at least be a start, and for those who have had to foot the bill and take from thei savings to microchip dogs they have rescued from the street at their own expense it would be some consolation for to know it was serving some purpose.

whataview mesage 25

Well said. I think the treating of animals (especially dogs) as a fashion accessory is a worldwide trend, rather than specific to the TRNC. There also seems to be an increase in the number of "macho" large and intimidating breeds, which if abandoned increase the size and ferocity of the members of packs and well as the pack themselves. As well as controllling selling and breeding dogs, there should be a moritorium of the import of dogs, with the possible exception of long term domestic pets, which should be neutered.

What people forget is that many expats and some Cypriots here are caring at their own expense for several street dogs, not just because they want a pet but out of kindness of heart . Responsible dog ownership is as you say a time consuming, labour intensive and expensive business and getting increasingly more expensive, and unlike the UK there are no organisations to help if they themselves fall on hard times they may be are faced on top of other distressing cirumstances the heartbreak of being unable to care for what have become beloved companions. And those who would like to help are already "over dogged" and unable to so not only for lack of time and money but because of the increasing hostility of a section of the expat population to dogs.

Its about time we all got real regarding the roaming street dog population in TRNC. It is a big issue can be dangerous, with regard to the dogs around my area, that constantly chase cars,jump up at them and run around in a pack of 5/6 continually barking all through the night, invading the garden, terrorising my old dog and making a mess that we clean up.

I personally think they all should be rounded up and put to sleep, before someone is seriously injured via a road accident or badly bitten.... I have just found my tin hat, as I am sure there will be loads of contradictory comments amined at me.

What is the alternative solution to the escalating issue ?

My dog is chipped and registered, other owners around here have not bothered, but they are Cypriot, so that I don't think will be an issue for them.

Unlike the the foreigners who will follow the rules, and woe betide any that don't. As like me you will get a letter from the Belediyesi telling you to do it, even when you have and all the paperwork is in place. Incidentally I did not see one other letter delivered at any of my neighbours properties, when they brought mine.
Could that be because my name on the gate is English not Turkish?

Muppet - you have to accept the TRNC Government's view of (Yabancı nakit inek sendromlarında). We're all part of it.

tomsteel I think you are very right there we are thought of as "cash cows" but that will eventually come to an end, when Turkey refuses to subsidise the country anymore and all the foreigners leave in droves,

And they have to stand on their own 2 feet, that will be an interesting time!!

Sorry but I won't be in the" drove." However I do agree in principal with the sentiment on packs of stray dogs. It can be frightening for tourists, to see them. I have two of my own (chipped and registered) one was an abandoned hunting dog, the other a GS dumped by an" English speaking "family. I help to look after a street dog at the harbour that has been there for about 10 years, although she Is also looked after by a guy on one of the boats. I definitely believe that the problem is getting worse recently because of the new ruling on chipping. good as it maybe, I am sure my Turkish and Turkish Cypriot friends have not done theirs!

It is not the English community that is bearing the brunt of the current costs (registration and micropchipping): it is those who have already spent a lot of money on adopting (not just feeding) strays English and Cypriot: and the animal charities and those who contribute to them (the last I heard KAR still did not know if their animals had to be chipped). Some (English and Cypriot) just cannot afford it; the only difference is the Cypriots are better placed legally to ignore the ruling.

I wonder if those who are pro killing strays would be so enthusiastic if they were told that the costs of (a) catching the animals in the first place (b) separating registered and microchipped dogs from real strays and (C) and most vital euthenising the remaining animals painlessly would come out of their local taxes. It would probably mean importing Vets since I doubt there are enough here prepared to do it, and certainly importing expensive drugs.

And as someone said above all to be done again in a few years unless the source of strays (breeding and selling and importing) is stopped.