Argos Animal Sanctuary

Argos Animal Sanctuary We are a registered charity in Cyprus. Donations https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/argossanctuary

We believe that all living creatures are sentient beings and have intrinsic value and we as humans, have a moral obligation to protect them from abuse and exploitation.

HUGO - FINDING THE RIGHT HOMEHugo is a 7-month-old Malinois (DOB 18-01-25), looking for the right home.  He is very play...
06/08/2025

HUGO - FINDING THE RIGHT HOME

Hugo is a 7-month-old Malinois (DOB 18-01-25), looking for the right home. He is very playful and will grow to be a big dog that will need space and exercise.

Presently, he is with his owner, who works during the day and doesn't have the time to spend training and socialising the puppy.

If you think you are the right family with the experience to handle this breed, contact Svetlana on 97-644017

Complaints mount over stray cat feeding site destruction, with police accused of ignoring the lawFeeding stray cats in C...
28/07/2025

Complaints mount over stray cat feeding site destruction, with police accused of ignoring the law

Feeding stray cats in Cyprus has become one of the most contentious animal welfare issues, with complaints mounting over the destruction of feeding sites and police accused of overlooking the law.
Stella Stylianou, president of Argos Shelter and member of the Famagusta Provincial Animal Welfare Committee, speaking to philenews, alleges that police, following a controversial legal opinion from the Attorney General’s Office, avoid investigating complaints about feeding site destruction, leaving animals hungry and volunteers at the mercy of conflicts with opposing citizens.
Legislation is clear, according to animal welfare organisations. Amendment Law 175(I)/2020, which strengthens the Animal Welfare and Protection Law, states in Article 5(ka) that destroying feeding and watering sites for stray animals constitutes an offence.
Article 18A gives local authorities the option (not obligation) to designate special feeding areas without excluding other locations where animals are cared for by volunteers.
Cat colonies have formed over time due to uncontrolled reproduction and cats wandering in neighbourhoods where they found food and water provided by volunteers, Stylianou notes.
“As there were several incidents of people destroying these feeding sites, police were flooded with complaints for law enforcement. Are we to assume police cannot fully interpret the clause and need an opinion from the Attorney General? Obviously, police, faced with the volume of complaints, decided to seek help from the Attorney General with an ‘official opinion diagnosis’ to lighten their workload,” she states.
However, police cite a legal opinion from the Attorney General’s Office which, according to responses given to volunteers, limits feeding legality only to sites officially designated by local authorities.
Stylianou expresses strong concern: “This is a dangerous misinterpretation of the law. We have repeatedly reported incidents of feeding container destruction, and police respond that no criminal offence occurs because sites are not ‘approved’. The law doesn’t say this. It’s arbitrary interpretation”.
She describes an increasing trend of aggression towards animal lovers. “Volunteers are harassed and threatened; some face attacks or vandalism. We care for animal health and welfare, sterilise, and clean but find ourselves accused. All this because responsible authorities fear taking responsibility”.
Police position
A specific volunteer’s case in Famagusta province is indicative. Despite the woman responsibly sterilising, feeding and deworming stray cats, her neighbour complained about the cats’ presence and, according to animal welfare reports, proceeded to intimidate the animals.
Despite appeals for protection, police responded that no illegality was observed, again based on the Attorney General’s Office opinion.
The responsible police station officer noted in a letter that the complainant “was informed on the legislation regarding cat feeding, referencing the Attorney General’s opinion concerning stray animal feeding sites, namely that only points designated by competent local authorities are included and do not include any space decided by any citizen”.
The letter states the prohibition in Article 5(2)(ka) “concerns only feeding and watering sites for stray animals designated by competent local authorities, and regarding feeding methods in common areas of apartment buildings, the matter requires settlement by management committees”.
“They tell us the opinion is confidential. We asked for it, but they won’t provide it. Since when do legal interpretations bypass Parliament and acquire the force of law?” Stylianou questions.
She adds: “Our humble opinion is that the Attorney General cannot enact laws but interpret existing laws approved and voted on by parliament”.
Immediate intervention sought
The Argos Shelter president appeals to competent authorities: “We seek clear positioning. Laws exist. If authorities don’t want to enforce them, then let them take responsibility for caring for cats themselves. Otherwise, let animal lovers do what the state refuses”.
The situation requires immediate action and coordination between ministries, the Attorney General’s Office, police and local authorities. As confusion continues, animals suffer and citizens clash in a society called to prove its civilisation not only through laws but actions.
The Cyprus Animal Welfare Organisations Federation “Cyprus Voice for Animals” has been requesting official clarification from the Agriculture Ministry and Attorney General’s Office for months.
Federation president Mary Chrysochou-Anastasi states, “It’s inconceivable to follow an opinion contradicting legislation’s spirit – animal protection. Animals cannot be left hungry and exposed for ‘nuisance’ reasons”.
The Ministry, in a January 2023 announcement, emphasised it does not support removing feeding containers under any circumstances, as this contradicts the basic principle of animal freedom from hunger and thirst. However, expected coordination with the Attorney General’s Office has not occurred.
Animal welfare organisations warn that if feeding and care programmes continue weakening, cats will return to streets, yards, schools and workplaces, causing multiple problems. “If we stop caring, the place will fill with cats, with tragic consequences for them and humans,” volunteers say.
Furthermore, it is noted that “with the police decision not to generally investigate destruction of cat feeding sites, it not only leaves animals hungry, but forces disputing citizens to sort it out amongst themselves with all that this entails”.

FOR ENGLISH, CLICK THE PHILELEFTHEROS LINK TO GO TO THE ARTICLE AND TRANSLATE TO ENGLISH
28/07/2025

FOR ENGLISH, CLICK THE PHILELEFTHEROS LINK TO GO TO THE ARTICLE AND TRANSLATE TO ENGLISH

Φιλοζωικές Οργανώσεις και εθελοντές υποστηρίζουν ότι καταστροφή των δοχείων αποτελεί κακούργημα

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΙΟ ΚΑΤΩFROM A VAGABOND TO A LIFE OF STABILITYCoco was found outside Lidl supermarket in the village of Ormihia...
19/07/2025

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΙΟ ΚΑΤΩ

FROM A VAGABOND TO A LIFE OF STABILITY

Coco was found outside Lidl supermarket in the village of Ormihia, ragged, unkempt and the condition of his hair looked as though he had been living in a garage, it was so oily and gray. Either he was living on the streets or his owners abandoned him at the supermarket.
We took him to Karen at Woof cuts and in order to bathe and get him clean, he had to be shaved. He looked like a different dog, a handsome, 18 month old curly-haired Poodle. We prepared him with a passport and sent his information to our colleagues in Germany to promote for adoption.
Of course, we knew that being a Poodle and young, he would be snapped up quickly. He was brought into the shelter on the 15/04/25 and by the time he had gone through the passport preparation and time frame before he could travel, he eventually flew to his new home in Germany on the 16/07/25.
Thanks to our German colleagues who mediated for his adoption and to his new family for giving him a new lease on life.

ΑΠΟ ΕΝΑΝ ΠΕΡΙΗΓΗΤΗ ΣΕ ΜΙΑ ΖΩΗ ΣΤΑΘΕΡΟΤΗΤΑΣ

Ο Κόκο βρέθηκε έξω από το σούπερ μάρκετ Lidl στο χωριό Ορμήδεια, ατημέλητος, απεριποίητος και η κατάσταση του τριχώματος του έμοιαζε σαν να είχε ζήσει σε γκαράζ, ήταν τόσο λιπαρό και γκρίζο. Είτε ζούσε στους δρόμους είτε οι ιδιοκτήτες του τον εγκατέλειψαν στο σούπερ μάρκετ.
Τον πήγαμε στην Κάρεν στο Woof cuts και για να τον κάνουν μπάνιο και να τον καθαρίσουν, έπρεπε να τον ξυρίσουν. Έμοιαζε με διαφορετικό σκύλο, ένα όμορφο, 18 μηνών σγουρομάλλικο Poodle. Τον προετοιμάσαμε με διαβατήριο και στείλαμε τα στοιχεία του στους συναδέλφους μας στη Γερμανία για να τον προωθήσουνε για υιοθεσία.
Φυσικά, ξέραμε ότι όντας ένα νεαρόPoodle, δεν θα έμενε στο καταφύγιο καιρό. Ήρθε στο καταφύγιο στις 15/04/25 και μέχρι να περάσει από την προετοιμασία του διαβατηρίου και το χρονικό πλαίσιο πριν μπορέσει να ταξιδέψει, τελικά πέταξε στο νέο του σπίτι στη Γερμανία στις 16/07/25.
Ευχαριστούμε τους Γερμανούς συναδέλφους μας που μεσολάβησαν για την υιοθεσία του και τη νέα του οικογένεια που του έδωσε μια νέα πνοή στη ζωή.

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΙΟ ΚΑΤΩVISITORS FROM THE UKA few days ago we had a visit from Mary and Chris who were vacationing in Cyprus an...
14/07/2025

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΙΟ ΚΑΤΩ

VISITORS FROM THE UK

A few days ago we had a visit from Mary and Chris who were vacationing in Cyprus and wanted to come to the sanctuary to see the animals and donate to our cause.

Mary and Chris do not have any animals themselves as they travel a lot and are not connected directly with animal welfare. They help a number of animal welfare charities in their local area at home and help friends by taking care of their pets when they go on holiday.
Our long-time supporters, Helen and Terry McCormack brought Chris and Mary to the shelter to make their donation and they also bought 55 key rings that Terry makes and sells in support of Argos.

We thank Chris and Mary for their generous donation and for purchasing 55 key rings that our long-term supporters, Terry and Helen McCormack make and sell in support of Argos. Thank you Terry and Helen for your support.

Πριν από λίγες μέρες μας επισκέφτηκαν η Μαίρη και ο Κρις, οι οποίοι έκαναν διακοπές στην Κύπρο και ήθελαν να έρθουν στο καταφύγιο για να δουν τα ζώα και να κάνουν μια δωρεά για τον σκοπό μας.

Η Μαίρη και ο Κρις δεν έχουν ζώα οι ίδιοι, καθώς ταξιδεύουν πολύ και δεν συνδέονται άμεσα με την ευημερία των ζώων. Βοηθούν μια σειρά από φιλανθρωπικά ιδρύματα για την ευημερία των ζώων στην περιοχή τους στην Βρεττανία και βοηθούν φίλους, φροντίζοντας τα κατοικίδιά τους όταν πηγαίνουν διακοπές.

Ευχαριστούμε τον Κρις και τη Μαίρη για τη γενναιόδωρη δωρεά τους και την αγορά 55 μπρελόκ που φτιάχνουν και πουλάνε οι υποστηρίκτες μας, Τέρι και Έλεν ΜακΚόρμακ, για την υποστήριξη του Argos. Ευχαριστούμε τους Τέρι και Έλενα για την πολύτιμη προσφορα τους.

10/07/2025

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΙΟ ΚΑΤΩ

THE ACTIONS OF THE LARNACA MUNICIPALITY HAVE LEFT AN ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD DEVASTATED

Yesterday, I received a call from a resident at the Salt Lake forest, concerned about the arrival of two Municipality workers at 9:30 am, looking for a piglet. The woman asked why, and she was told that the municipality had received a complaint that the piglet had bitten someone, and they were to remove it from the forest.
The woman explained that such an accusation was untrue, as the piglet is very docile and afraid of anyone it doesn't recognise by their voice.

The workers left, but the resident was anxious about the safety of Roοney and asked if there was anything that could be done to safeguard him. I had suggested that there are sanctuaries for farm animals and that he could be taken there for safekeeping, but the residents did not want to lose their pet and mascot.

So, yesterday, I wrote a letter to the Larnaka Mayor explaining that Rooney had been living at the Salt Lake forest for some time and was most likely an abandoned pet there. He is cared for by the residents of the area and is their beloved mascot. Rooney is a docile animal that hides and only comes out when he hears voices he recognizes. He is timid and enjoys the food and vegetables offered by the neighborhood. Rooney is not a predator and does not come out of hiding unless he recognizes the voice he trusts.

Where urbanization has indeed impacted the interaction between humans and animals, the residents have greatly appreciated the presence of Rooney, who invokes memories of farm life. This afternoon, I received confirmation from the municipality that my email was received and that it will be forwarded to the relevant department for examination and appropriate handling.

Today, I received a distressing phone call from the resident who reported the incident to me yesterday, that two Municipality workers arrived in the neighborhood with a net looking for Rooney. A few minutes later, a neighbor heard a high-pitched, fearful squeal and by the time the residents realised what had happened, Rooney was not responding to the familiar voices he knew.

The entire neighborhood is in shock and devastated by the development of Rooney. Both children and adults are inconsolable as they have no idea where Rooney has been taken and suspect the worst. It is inconceivable that such a thoughtless action was taken by the Larnaka Municipality without thinking about what impact such an action would have on those who interacted and loved him.

Many people have pigs as pets, so would the municipality take away someone's pet, or is it because pigs have been primarily raised for food, they have the right to take the pig?
We ask that the Mayor investigate this incident and let us and the residents know the whereabouts of Rooney, a much-loved piglet of the neighborhood. Are there not farm animals in parks where children go to interact with them? Why should this situation any different?

A video of Rooney early this morning having breakfast with his friends

ΟΙ ΕΝΕΡΓΕΙΕΣ ΤΟΥ ΔΗΜΟΥ ΛΑΡΝΑΚΑΣ ΕΧΟΥΝ ΑΦΗΣΕΙ ΟΛΟΚΛΗΡΗ ΤΗ ΓΕΙΤΟΝΙΑ ΣΥΝΤΕΤΡΙΜΜΕΝΗ

Χθες, έλαβα τηλεφώνημα από κάτοικο στο δάσος της Αλυκής, ο οποίος ανησυχούσε για την άφιξη δύο εργαζομένων του Δήμου στις 9:30 π.μ., που έψαχναν για ένα γουρουνάκι. Η γυναίκα ρώτησε γιατί και της είπαν ότι ο δήμος είχε λάβει καταγγελία ότι το γουρουνάκι είχε δαγκώσει κάποιον και ότι έπρεπε να το απομακρύνουν από το δάσος. Η γυναίκα εξήγησε ότι μια τέτοια κατηγορία ήταν αναληθής, καθώς το γουρουνάκι είναι πολύ υπάκουο και φοβάται όποιον δεν αναγνωρίζει από τη φωνή του.

Οι εργαζάτες έφυγαν, αλλά ο κάτοικος ανησυχούσε για την ασφάλεια του Ρούνεϊ και ρώτησε αν μπορούσε να γίνει κάτι για να τον προστατεύσει. Είχα προτείνει ότι υπάρχουν καταφύγια για ζώα φάρμας και ότι θα μπορούσε να μεταφερθεί εκεί για ασφάλεια, αλλά οι κάτοικοι δεν ήθελαν να χάσουν το κατοικίδιό τους και τη μασκότα τους.

Έτσι, χθες, έστειλα επιστολή στον Δήμαρχο Λάρνακας εξηγώντας ότι ο Ρούνεϊ ζούσε στο δάσος της Αλυκής για κάποιο χρονικό διάστημα και πιθανότατα ήταν ένα εγκαταλελειμμένο κατοικίδιο εκεί. Φροντιζόταν από τους κατοίκους της περιοχής και είναι η αγαπημένη τους μασκότ. Ο Ρούνεϊ είναι ένα υπάκουο ζώο που κρύβεται και βγαίνει μόνο όταν ακούει φωνές που αναγνωρίζει. Είναι δειλός και απολαμβάνει το φαγητό και τα λαχανικά που προσφέρει η γειτονιά. Ο Ρούνεϊ δεν είναι αρπακτικό και δεν βγαίνει από την κρυψώνα του αν δεν αναγνωρίσει τη φωνή που εμπιστεύεται.
Όπου η αστικοποίηση έχει πράγματι επηρεάσει την αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ ανθρώπων και ζώων, οι κάτοικοι έχουν εκτιμήσει ιδιαίτερα την παρουσία του Ρούνεϊ, ο οποίος ανακαλεί αναμνήσεις από την αγροτική ζωή. Σήμερα το απόγευμα έλαβα επιβεβαίωση παραλαβής του email μου και ότι θα προωθηθεί στην αρμόδια υπηρεσία του Δήμου για εξέταση και κατάλληλη διαχείριση.

Σήμερα, έλαβα ένα θλιβερό τηλεφώνημα από τον κάτοικο που μου ανέφερε το περιστατικό χθες, ότι δύο υπάλληλοι του δήμου έφτασαν στη γειτονιά με ένα δίχτυ ψάχνοντας τον Ρούνεϊ. Λίγα λεπτά αργότερα, ένας γείτονας άκουσε μια διαπεραστική, τρομακτική κραυγή και μέχρι οι κάτοικοι να συνειδητοποιήσουν τι είχε συμβεί, ο Ρούνεϊ δεν αντιδρούσε στις οικείες φωνές που γνώριζε.

Όλη η γειτονιά είναι σοκαρισμένη και συντετριμμένη από την εξέλιξη της εξαφάνισης του Ρούνεϊ. Τόσο τα παιδιά όσο και οι ενήλικες είναι απαρηγόρητοι, καθώς δεν έχουν ιδέα πού έχει μεταφερθεί ο Ρούνεϊ και υποψιάζονται το χειρότερο. Είναι αδιανόητο ότι ο Δήμος Λάρνακας έκανε μια τόσο απερίσκεπτη ενέργεια χωρίς να σκεφτεί τον αντίκτυπο που θα είχε μια τέτοια ενέργεια σε όσους που τον φρόντιζαν και τον αγαπούσαν. Πολλοί άνθρωποι έχουν γουρούνια ως κατοικίδια, οπότε θα έπαιρνε ο δήμος το κατοικίδιο κάποιου ή επειδή τα γουρούνια εκτρέφονται κυρίως για τροφή, έχουν το δικαίωμα να πάρουν το γουρούνι;

Ζητάμε από τον Δήμαρχο να διερευνήσει αυτό το περιστατικό και να ενημερώσει εμάς και τους κατοίκους για το πού βρίσκεται ο Ρούνεϊ, ένα πολύ αγαπημένο γουρουνάκι της γειτονιάς. Δεν υπάρχουν ζώα φάρμας στα πάρκα όπου πηγαίνουν τα παιδιά για να αλληλεπιδράσουν μαζί τους; Γιατί να βλέπουμε αυτή την περίπτωση ως διαφορετική;

Ένα βίντεο με τον Ρούνεΐ να προγευματίζει με τους φίλους του.

A SUMMARY IN ENGLISH The Federation of the Cyprus Animal Welfare Organizations "Cyprus Voice for Animals" has made serio...
18/06/2025

A SUMMARY IN ENGLISH

The Federation of the Cyprus Animal Welfare Organizations "Cyprus Voice for Animals" has made serious allegations of "indirect extortion", citing arbitrary and unfair practices by the competent authorities, which link the annual state sponsorship with the obligation to host confiscated animals.

Specifically, as they report, within the framework of the procedure for the 2025 annual sponsorship, shelters are asked to sign a "Responsible Declaration", by which they commit to hosting animals that were confiscated by the Veterinary Services for welfare reasons, provided that there are available spaces.

As the organizations complain, this declaration is essentially mandatory if they want to receive financial support, which they characterize as unacceptable extortion.

The Federation clarifies that the shelters operate on a private initiative and are not state bodies. Therefore, the state cannot impose responsibility for confiscated animals on them – a duty that belongs to the Local Authorities, as provided for by law since 2002. Despite commitments to create appropriate regional facilities for the temporary custody of stray and confiscated animals, the problem remains unresolved.
“When they have space, shelters already help beyond their obligations by taking in confiscated animals. But we cannot be forced to accept all cases, especially when we are already overcrowded and without support,” the president of the Federation, Mary Anastasi, tells “Phileleftheros”.

https://www.philenews.com/kipros/koinonia/article/1594389/ekviasmo-apo-tin-politia-katangelloun-filozoikes-organosis-antidrasis-gia-tin-apetisi-tou-ipourgiou-georgias-gia-filoxenia-kataschemenon-zoono/?fbclid=IwY2xjawK_3C5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBGUm0xOFM1eGFWTE90REk3AR6UBddFteLZC3nrQxnQvmRGIXxHc1jLTdiZrdAeXLbq4r202NJQUcYrF866UA_aem_PZghNMUqb3NO1tZvl2SuBA

Σε σοβαρές καταγγελίες για «έμμεσο εκβιασμό» προχώρησε η Ομοσπονδία Φιλοζωικών Οργανώσεων Κύπρου «Φωνή για τα Ζώα της Κύπρου», κάνοντας λόγο για

16/06/2025

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS DOG

this one year old dog goes by the name of LEAF and he has been missing from his home in Livadhia for 10 days. His owner has searched the village and contacted all known shelters but nobody has seen Leaf. He is not microchipped.
If you know of his whereabouts, please contact heart-broken Maria on 95-99308.

A very happy birthday to our favourite cat lady Lesley who goes above and beyond to care for all our beautiful furries x...
15/06/2025

A very happy birthday to our favourite cat lady Lesley who goes above and beyond to care for all our beautiful furries ###

Still waiting for loving homes The 6 amigos! L to R : Ruby, Star, Nemo, Dusty, Tom, Jerry. All healthy beautiful babies ...
08/06/2025

Still waiting for loving homes

The 6 amigos! L to R : Ruby, Star, Nemo, Dusty, Tom, Jerry.

All healthy beautiful babies with so much love to give

FOUND ❤️❤️❤️❤️MISSING CAT PLEASE PEOPLE IN OROKLINI IF YOU SEE THIS MUCH LOVED CAT CALL. 96 322822. https://www.facebook...
24/05/2025

FOUND ❤️❤️❤️❤️MISSING CAT

PLEASE PEOPLE IN OROKLINI IF YOU SEE THIS MUCH LOVED CAT CALL. 96 322822.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BVkbMsp1x/?mibextid=wwXIfr

FOUND ❤️❤️❤️❤️

🆘 MISSING CAT ORIKLINI🆘

This gorgeous indoor boy that has just moved to Cyprus with his family a few weeks ago escaped this morning. Got scared and has run off.

Is there anyone in the kyriakou kolokasi, Oriklini area able to help search 🙏 his owners are not in the country currently.

Please keep your eyes peeled, for any sightings, he is an indoor cat and does not know the area 🥰.

His owners are offering a financial reward for anyone who finds him.

Address

Ormidhia

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 - 13:30
Tuesday 10:00 - 13:30
Wednesday 10:00 - 13:30
Thursday 10:00 - 13:30
Friday 10:00 - 13:30
Saturday 10:00 - 13:30
Sunday 10:00 - 13:30

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