A political group that cares for animals says many pet shops in Cyprus are operating illegally. The Animal Party Cyprus claims most shops selling live animals do not have the required government license. Because of this, the country's Veterinary Services have given a warning. Unlicensed shops must get a license by the end of this year, or they will face serious punishments.
To sell animals legally, shops need a special license from the Veterinary Services. This government department makes sure animals are healthy and treated well. But right now, investigations show a big problem. There are about one hundred businesses selling pets and pet supplies. Only forty of them have the correct license. This means around sixty shops are selling animals illegally.
Cyprus already has a major problem with abandoned animals. Shelters are very full. The Animal Party says this new rule is important, but it is not the only solution. They believe people should adopt pets from shelters instead of buying them from shops. They think this will help reduce the number of unwanted animals.
The government's deadline is December 31. After that, shops without a license cannot sell live animals. They can still sell pet food and other items. They may also have to pay a fine of up to one thousand euros. The government hopes this will make shops follow the law.
If the rule is enforced, many pet shops may stop selling animals. The Animal Party will watch the situation closely. They want to make sure the deadline is real and that more people choose to adopt a pet. Success will mean fewer animals ending up in crowded shelters.