**Title: MPs Address Ongoing Poaching Issues in Androlykou**
In a recent session of the House environment committee, Pantelis Hadjiyerou, the head of the Game and Fauna Service, reported that a group of poachers in Androlykou has been illegally hunting hares on a near-nightly basis, despite numerous reports to authorities. Hadjiyerou emphasized the need for more stringent measures against these professional poachers, who appear to view fines as merely a cost of doing business.
The issue of poaching has escalated significantly, with estimates indicating that revenue from illegal hunting now exceeds €10 million annually. This alarming figure aligns with assessments made by various environmental organizations. Hadjiyerou pointed out that the current system of financial penalties is ineffective in deterring repeat offenders, suggesting that the Game and Fauna Service should be empowered to revoke offenders' firearms or driving licenses.
Akel MP Nikos Kettiros highlighted the extent of the problem by citing a specific case in Larnaca, where a poacher had been reported seven times within a single year. Despite accumulating fines totaling €13,500, the poacher continued to offend shortly after paying the penalties. Kettiros remarked, “Some people are getting rich, and such fines do nothing; the authorities should find a way to be effective.”
Deputy police chief Michalis Katsounotos acknowledged that many poachers evade extrajudicial fines, leading to cases being taken to court. In these instances, penalties are often reduced and can be settled in installments, further diminishing their deterrent effect. Katsounotos noted that police efforts against poaching have been less vigorous this year due to competing demands, including responsibilities related to Cyprus's EU Council presidency and foot-and-mouth disease patrols.
The committee session also saw renewed complaints from Linos Papayiannis, chairman and Elam MP, regarding the conduct of activists from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS). Papayiannis alleged that these activists have harassed legal hunters and property owners, citing an incident in Episkopi where British bases police reportedly declined to register a complaint due to the activists' connections.
Katsounotos acknowledged the validity of Papayiannis's claims but stated that he would need to investigate specific cases further. Environmental organizations present at the session, including Terra Cypria and BirdLife Cyprus, rejected the framing of the debate as it risked unfairly targeting activists rather than focusing on the issue of poaching itself. Melpo Apostolidou, a representative from BirdLife Cyprus, reported that her organization has submitted 79 reports to the police over the past three years, resulting in 25 criminal prosecutions. She also estimated that approximately 726,000 birds are trapped illegally in Cyprus each year.
In response to the ongoing poaching crisis, Disy MP Andreas Constantinou proposed freezing the assets of individuals involved in large-scale trafficking. Papayiannis stated that he had provided information about one activist organization to state services and would continue to pursue the matter, clarifying that his concerns were directed at a specific group rather than environmental organizations as a whole.
The discussions in the House environment committee underscore the complexities surrounding poaching in Cyprus, highlighting the need for more effective enforcement measures and a balanced approach to addressing both illegal hunting and the activities of activists. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to the growing concerns raised by both legislators and environmental advocates.