Audit Office Raises Concerns Over Unchecked Veterinary Services
The Audit Office has expressed significant concerns regarding the lack of enforcement by veterinary services on the operation of illegal livestock farms situated on protected land. In its latest report scrutinizing the agriculture ministry and its departments, the spotlight was cast on a “large livestock unit” in the Paphos village of Ayios Ioannis, which has been operating without registration or the necessary permits.
This particular farm, comprising a warehouse and a residential building, is illegally established on church property within the Chanoutaris Cliffs special protection zone. This area is not only adjacent to the Paphos forest but also part of the Cedar Valley Natura 2000 site, raising environmental and legal red flags.
Despite previous complaints lodged in March and December of 2022, the Audit Office lamented that these
The unchecked production of milk or meat from such unregistered farms poses a significant risk to public health, the report warned. With large quantities of these products potentially entering the market without proper oversight, the implications could be far-reaching.
Over a year has passed since the Audit Office flagged the government’s “inadequate handling” of the situation to then-Agriculture Minister Petros Xenophontos. However, to date, no decisive action has been reported either from the central government or from district authorities in Paphos.
The continued existence of these farms not only undermines the integrity of Cyprus’ agricultural regulations but also jeopardizes both environmental conservation efforts and public health safety. The Audit Office’s findings serve as a call to action for more stringent oversight and enforcement in the agricultural sector.
