**From Sadness to Wagging Tails: Paphos Children Learn About Animal Care**
This week, approximately 45 primary school children from the 1st Primary School of Ierokipia and the 2nd Primary School of Paphos had the opportunity to visit the PAWS animal shelter in Achelia. This visit was part of an educational initiative aimed at promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, organized by the environment and animal welfare commissioner.
The excursion took place just ahead of World Animal Day on October 4, a day dedicated to raising awareness about animal rights and welfare. During their time at the shelter, the students engaged with abandoned dogs, learning firsthand about the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
The visit included a comprehensive tour of the shelter, where the children were introduced to the daily routines involved in caring for the animals. They were encouraged to ask questions and share their own experiences with pets. Under supervision, the children also had the chance to play with the dogs, creating a joyful atmosphere amidst the poignant realities of animal abandonment.
Many students expressed mixed emotions during the visit. While they felt sadness upon seeing the abandoned animals, they also experienced joy in interacting with them. Some children inquired whether the dogs were happy at the shelter and showed interest in potentially helping or adopting a pet in the future.
To further educate the children, Senior Veterinary Officer Elena Georgiou spoke about the importance of responsible pet care. She emphasized the significance of identification and sterilization, as well as how to safely approach animals and understand their behavior. Georgiou reminded the students that bringing an animal into their home is a commitment that lasts for the animal's entire life.
Commissioner Elias Myrianthous highlighted the initiative's objective to provide children with a firsthand understanding of how abandoned or abused animals are cared for in shelters. He stressed that the responsibility for animal welfare should be a collective effort involving the state, local government, animal welfare organizations, and the general public. “We need to cultivate respect for animals and protect them from abuse and abandonment,” he stated.
Paphos district governor Charalambos Pittokopitis also addressed the importance of animal welfare in the region. He noted that establishing a modern regional shelter is currently a top priority for local authorities. Based on the progress made thus far, he mentioned that a facility serving the municipalities of Ierokipia, Akamas, and Polis Chrysochous could be operational by 2027.
The PAWS shelter in Achelia plays a vital role in the community by providing care for dogs until they can be placed in permanent homes. Through initiatives like this educational visit, the organization aims to foster a deeper understanding of animal welfare among young people, encouraging them to become responsible pet owners in the future.
As the children left the shelter, many carried with them not just memories of wagging tails and playful pups, but also a newfound appreciation for the responsibilities that come with caring for animals.