Briton accused of leaving dogs to die in squalid apartment

[memory man]

The Animal Party is investigating a case of suspected animal abuse by a British expat in Paphos involving the alleged abandonment and neglect of three dogs and subsequent death of two in a squalid apartment.

They are appealing to the public for information.

“The APC was called on to intervene and we would appreciate anyone with any information regarding this case to come forward as it will help us to find out the truth,” party head Kyriacos Kyriacou told the Cyprus Mail on Tuesday.

Kyriacou said he had spoken to the alleged perpetrator, a British expat resident of Paphos, on the telephone on Tuesday morning.

“She is currently moving to or resides in another flat. However, she was unwilling to say much else, as she is meeting with her lawyer on Wednesday concerning the allegations,” he said.

The accusation of abuse was made via a Facebook post by one of the apartment owners, also British, on Monday. She named the alleged perpetrator, and shared photos outlining the horrific state of the apartment and treatment of the dogs. Ahead of the mammoth clean up, photographs showing what also appeared to be a dead black dog in the stench-filled apartment, were shared hundreds of times, before being taken down.

The home owner alleged that the woman had abandoned the three dogs and two had died, a further one, which has been rehomed, had only survived by ‘eating her own puppies’. A series of shocking photographs also showed the space stuffed full of a thick layer of rubbish and faeces.

The social media post, which has since been removed, was shared multiple times. Hundreds of angry comments were also made against the alleged perpetrator.

However, Kyriacou said that the claims must be investigated thoroughly as the accusation raises numerous questions that must be answered.

“What happened to the remains of the dogs, where was the surviving dog rehomed to, and why do the authorities seem unaware of the situation?” he asked.

The APC contacted the state veterinarian in Paphos, who was unaware of the animal’s plight, as was the muktah of Chlorakas, where the alleged abuse took place, he said. In addition, the party is investigating what complaint was made by the homeowner to the police.

“We have tried to contact the owner of the property, she lives in the UK, but she has yet to answer her phone and we are also investigating claims that she was incorrectly told by the police that she would have to pay for court action herself.”

He noted that this is not correct, whereas damage to a flat would be a private matter, the police, local authorities and APC would prosecute such abuse cases.

“If this is a bona fide case and the procedure is followed, currently such a crime could carry a one year prison term and a €1,700 fine or a 24 month prison term and a €3,500 fine,” Kyriacou said, adding that they are working with authorities to bring in changes to the law which will ensure tougher prison terms for cases of animal abuse.

Just hours after the accusations went viral, the Brit was fired from her job at a popular local eatery. An announcement made by the manager of the establishment stated that: “In response to the recent post currently being circulated, we would like to notify everyone that we are as utterly appalled and disgusted at the contents of the post and please know that the named person is no longer an employee here.”

He added: “It was dealt with as soon as it was brought to our attention. As a dog friendly establishment, staff very much feel as horrified as everyone else.”

Paphos police confirmed that they are investigating whether a formal complaint was made to them.

To contact the APC: 70078080

http://cyprus-mail.com/2018/02/21/brito ... apartment/