Zoo lawyers allege officials killed 20 crocodiles and a jaguar in retaliation for complaint

Local animal welfareAnimalsTop News Zoo lawyers allege officials killed 20 crocodiles and a jaguar in retaliation for complaint Zoo Lawyers Allege Officials Killed 20 Crocodiles And A Jaguar In Retaliation For Complaint Relevant News The MEDFEST Limassol Beer Festival returns for its 8th edition 10 June 2026 The Cyprus Bloomsday festival returns with a focus on the female voices of Ulysses 10 June 2026 From the success of Limassol Del Mar to the legendary collaboration — Cavalli Tower at Limassol Blu Marine 10 June 2026 Newsroom 10 June 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber State officials allegedly seized and killed 20 legally imported crocodiles, caused the death of a jaguar through unlawful confinement, and killed legally imported birds — all in retaliation for a complaint against the Agriculture Ministry, according to a formal complaint submitted to the President of the Republic. The allegations are contained in a written complaint dated May 14, 2026, filed by lawyers representing Melios Pet Centre Ltd and its owner Menelaos Menelaou, who has been operating in the animal trade, breeding, importing and farm sectors since 2000. The lawyers describe what they call chronic, systematic and documented unlawful conduct by state officials and services, amounting to violations of constitutional rights, the principles of good governance and the European Convention on Human Rights. According to the complaint, the Game Fund carried out the seizure and killing of the legally imported birds and crocodiles without justification, and unlawfully confined animals in their transport crates — resulting in the death of a jaguar. The transport of three small lions was also allegedly unlawfully obstructed. The lawyers claim all of these actions were taken as retaliation for a complaint the company had filed against the Agriculture Ministry. The complaint also alleges forgery of official documents and interference in the company’s commercial transactions with European partners. The lawyers are asking the President to order an immediate, independent and comprehensive investigation into all the alleged actions, to be assigned to an independent body outside the services already involved. They are also requesting that all individuals implicated be held accountable, that unlawful restrictive measures against the company be immediately lifted, and that pending permits — including planning and zoo licences — be issued. Further requests include equal treatment before the law, greater transparency and accountability in public administration, and a personal meeting between the President and the complainant to present the full evidence file. Given the severity of the case and the alleged involvement of senior state officials, the lawyers also ask the President to consider establishing an ad hoc inquiry committee. (information from CNA) Read more: What happens to the animals now? Two parties respond to the Melios Zoo closure Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News The MEDFEST Limassol Beer Festival returns for its 8th edition The Cyprus Bloomsday festival returns with a focus on the female voices of Ulysses From the success of Limassol Del Mar to the legendary collaboration — Cavalli Tower at Limassol Blu Marine Christodoulides attends Sagrada Família inauguration in Barcelona as EU Council Presidency head Mass shooting in Johannesburg On this day: Reality show contestant Christina Grimmie is fatally shot in 2016 Four arrested over Paphos assault that left teenager with head and hand injuries Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.