After the Melios Zoo Incident, the Commissioner Demands Compliance with Court Orders

Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Elias Myrianthous, is calling for the enforcement of previous court rulings concerning Melios Zoo and systematic inspections of animal facilities. This is in response to an incident on Saturday in which a bear escaped from its cage. Police are still investigating the circumstances.

The park's owner, Menelaos Menelaou, assures that the animal did not leave the premises, and that previous inspections revealed no safety concerns. However, as previously reported on CyprNews, Melios Zoo's operations were subject to administrative decisions and court proceedings. Sunday's statements by the commissioner once again raise questions about the implementation of these decisions.

Commissioner: the relevant services should execute the rulings

On Sunday, October 11, Elias Myrianthous commented on the incident at the park in the Agioi Trimithias area of Nicosia District. He said it confirmed concerns and complaints previously raised regarding the park's operation.

According to the commissioner, the rulings relating to the facility were related to non-compliance with animal welfare regulations. In his opinion, the relevant services should have already started implementing them.

He also called for systematic inspections. He emphasized that supervision of animal housing should be based on applicable requirements, and that any violations detected should lead to action as outlined in the procedures.

Myrianthous emphasized that he himself has no executive powers. He can point out irregularities, make recommendations, and help coordinate the work of responsible institutions.

Police provided details of Saturday's incident

According to police information, the 60-year-old owner notified the officers October 10th shortly after 7:00 p.m.He was supposed to report that one of the bears had escaped while food was being served.

Police officers from several units and officers of the Hunting and Fauna Service were dispatched to the scene.

In the latest report, the police said that the owner found the bear inside the park and took him to a fenced area a few minutes after 8:00 p.m. The investigation is being conducted by the Kokkinotrimithia police station.

This is a significant clarification following the initial alert. As previously reported, residents of Paleometocho and neighboring towns were warned of the potential threat. After securing the animal, police reported that there was no longer cause for concern.

The owner assures that the cage was undamaged

Menelaos Menelaou maintains that the bear was outside its cage but did not leave the facility. He believes that the visitors had already left by then.

He explained that he called the police as a precaution, ensuring that the authorities were on hand if the animal wandered outside the park. Officers were to wait in the parking lot while he dealt with the situation.

The owner also claims that the cage was secure and undamaged. He assures that during previous inspections, government agencies raised no concerns about the facility's construction or the safety of the animals and visitors.

These claims do not yet explain how the bear ended up outside the cage. The cause of the incident is being investigated by the police.

The dispute over the activities of Melios Zoo has been going on for years

In the previous article, we recalled that veterinary services refused to renew the permit for Melios Zoo in 2017 and ordered it to cease operations.

We also described this year's court decisions regarding administrative decisions against the facility and running a zoo without a valid permit.

Therefore, the commissioner's appeal is not only about checking security measures after Saturday's incident. It is also about how the relevant institutions implement previous decisions regarding the facility, where animals still reside.

Veterinary services announce cooperation

Director of Veterinary Services Christodoulos Pipis announced that his institution learned of the incident from the police. He promised consultations and assistance in matters within its remit.

No final findings have yet been released regarding the bear's escape, nor has a new decision been made to close the facility following the incident. However, the commissioner's appeal on Sunday increases pressure on the authorities responsible for overseeing and enforcing previous rulings.

Sources: Philenews, Cyprus Mail, Politis, CyprNews archive.