Animal welfare groups in Cyprus are very unhappy. Many cats have gone missing recently. They say the police are not doing enough to find them. These groups are complaining about police negligence. They believe authorities have not investigated suspected animal abductions well. The Nicosia District Animal Welfare Committee is frustrated. They feel police responses are not serious. This makes people worry that animals are being taken illegally.
A recent event made people more upset. Three sterilised cats were taken from a supermarket car park. A woman allegedly lured them and put them in her car. She said the cats were sick and she took them to a vet. However, she would not say which vet clinic it was. Activists are very suspicious of her story.
Dinos Agiomamitis leads the Cat Protection and Welfare Association. He said the woman's explanation was not believable. He thinks it is strange to forget a vet clinic's name. Police talked to her on the phone. They did not ask for more proof. This seems like a lack of careful work. Animal groups now say the police were negligent.
Security camera video shows the woman. Police know who she is. They asked her to give a statement. However, the investigation is slow. This makes many people angry. The Cyprus Environmental Movement is also concerned. They want a full investigation into more missing cats. They think the same woman might be taking cats from different places. She may have help.
The Nicosia Police Directorate said they are investigating. They said they need to get more statements. This statement did not calm the animal welfare groups. They are worried about animal abuse and illegal trapping. People are becoming very worried about animal safety.
Animal groups might tell European Union bodies about this. They want better police work. They need more attention and quicker action from authorities. It is important for people, groups, and the government to work together. This will help keep the many stray cats in Cyprus safe.