**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – A festive Christmas event in the village of Prastio Kellakiou has been overshadowed by the tragic death of a pony, prompting a staunch demand for a thorough investigation from the Cyprus Animal Party. The incident, which occurred over the weekend of December 12th and 13th, has ignited concerns regarding the welfare of animals participating in public celebrations and the adequacy of regulatory oversight.
The Cyprus Animal Party, a vocal advocate for animal rights, issued a statement on Tuesday detailing their alarm over the circumstances surrounding the pony’s demise. According to the party, two ponies were brought to Prastio Kellakiou by private individuals to feature in the village's seasonal festivities. However, one of the animals succumbed to an unspecified ailment during the event, leading to immediate calls for accountability.
Kyriakos Kyriakou, President of the Cyprus Animal Party, elaborated on the party's grievances in a television interview on Wednesday, suggesting that the pony's death may have been attributable to inadequate care, potentially stemming from exposure to low temperatures or insufficient nourishment. The party's statement expressed profound dismay, asserting that "the animal died (as we were told) and was thrown away or buried without any authority asking for explanations and without any further investigations to establish and attribute responsibilities." This alleged lack of official inquiry has fuelled the party's resolve to seek a comprehensive examination of the incident.
The Animal Party contends that the event was organised without adherence to essential procedural requirements, including the procurement of necessary permits and the implementation of robust animal welfare checks. They further allege that the animals were housed without adequate stabling facilities, exacerbating potential risks to their well-being. Mr. Kyriakou emphasised the critical importance of due diligence, stating, "Since animals are used for any purpose, the appropriate permits and approvals must be in place." The party's allegations point to a broader issue of inadequate controls and oversight concerning the use of live animals in public festive gatherings across Cyprus.
The Prastio Kellakiou Community Council, along with the island's Veterinary Services and the police, have been formally urged by the Cyprus Animal Party to launch an immediate and impartial investigation into the pony's death. The incident has cast a pall over the burgeoning popularity of Cyprus' Christmas Villages, which often rely on the charm and appeal of live animals to enhance the visitor experience. While these events contribute to local economies and foster community spirit, this unfortunate episode underscores the potential ethical and welfare challenges that must be proactively addressed.
Animal welfare organisations are increasingly highlighting the inherent risks associated with exposing domesticated animals to crowded, often unpredictable, outdoor environments, particularly during colder months. The incident in Prastio Kellakiou serves as a stark reminder that the enchantment of seasonal celebrations should never come at the expense of animal safety and well-being. The outcome of the requested investigation is anticipated to shed light on existing regulatory gaps and potentially inform future guidelines for the responsible integration of animals into public events.