Cyprus’ New Dog Law: What It Means for Owners
Updated: March 31, 2026
Cyprus has adopted a new dog law after nearly a decade of debate, introducing wide-ranging changes that affect pet owners, the management of stray dogs and the recognition of assistance animals. Here’s a clear breakdown of what the new rules mean in practice.
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New obligations for dog owners
Under the updated law, dog owners must comply with several new requirements. Every dog must wear a collar with a tag displaying the owner’s licence number and contact phone at all times. Registration is now mandatory for all dogs older than two months.
If a dog dies, the owner must submit a signed declaration and obtain a death certificate from a licensed private veterinarian within seven working days. In cases of loss or theft, authorities must be notified within two working days — and informed again within the same timeframe if the dog is found.
When outdoors, dogs must be kept on a lead attached to their collar, and owners are required to carry bags to clean up after them. Failure to comply with either rule is now considered a criminal offence. Hunting dogs are exempt from the lead requirement when in designated hunting areas.
Annual ownership fees have increased, along with breeding fees, which are now charged per litter.
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Fines and penalties
Failure to clean up after a dog carries an on-the-spot fine of €100, reduced from the initially proposed €300. The same fine applies if an owner refuses to hand over a dog to authorities when required, with any associated seizure costs borne by the owner.
Not reporting a dog’s loss, theft or recovery within the required two working days is also classified as an offence under the new framework.
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Changes affecting stray dogs
One of the most significant reforms is the ban on euthanasia for healthy dogs. Previously, local authorities were allowed to euthanise stray animals after 15 days. Under the new law, euthanasia is only permitted if a dog is deemed dangerous.
Instead, stray dogs must be transferred to shelters. The definition of a “dangerous dog” has also been tightened: a dog is now classified as dangerous only if, while outside its owner’s property or roaming freely, it shows unprovoked and unjustified aggression toward people or other animals.
Before a dog can be rehomed from a temporary holding facility, it must be microchipped, neutered and
registered under the new owner’s name.
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The shelter challenge
However, the effectiveness of the law depends heavily on infrastructure that is not yet in place. The ban on euthanasia requires sufficient shelter capacity — something Cyprus currently lacks.
Plans for five regional shelters have been under discussion for years, but progress has been slowed by issues related to land allocation, construction and funding. Critics argue that without these facilities, full implementation of the law will be difficult.
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Expanded definition of assistance dogs
The law also broadens the definition of assistance dogs. It now includes guide dogs for the visually impaired, hearing dogs, mobility support dogs, medical alert and response dogs, psychiatric service dogs and allergen detection dogs.
To qualify, a dog must be trained to assist a person with a disability or a serious chronic condition that could impact their safety. Certification must come from internationally recognised organisations.
Given that such dogs can cost between €7,000 and €10,000, with ongoing annual expenses, the law introduces free licensing and extends fee exemptions to a wider group of beneficiaries, including low-pension recipients for one neutered dog.
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What remains unresolved
Despite the reform, several issues remain unaddressed. Bans on dangerous breeds have been in place since 2002 but are still poorly enforced. Previous legislation regulating dog breeding establishments has yet to be implemented.
Concerns also persist around the advertising of dangerous dogs and, most critically, the lack of shelter infrastructure. Addressing these gaps is expected to be a key task for the next parliament.