A large-scale stray animal sterilization program was carried out in Famagusta

The Famagusta Municipality, in collaboration with the international organization NETAP, implemented a program to control the population of stray animals. The campaign took place from January 8 to 11, 2026, and aimed to prevent uncontrolled breeding as well as to improve living conditions for animals in the city.

Over the course of four days, veterinary specialists sterilized 218 animals — 115 dogs and 103 cats. The program included both animals from the municipal shelter and street cats brought from ten feeding points in different areas of Famagusta.

At the initiative of municipal council member Ufuk Umay, an international veterinary team arrived in the city, consisting of four anesthesiologist veterinarians and four assistants from Switzerland and Cyprus. After the surgeries, all animals underwent mandatory procedures: microchipping, vaccination, antiparasitic treatment, and ear tagging.

Specialists noted that some animals, particularly female dogs, had serious reproductive system diseases, which complicated the surgeries. Despite this, all interventions were successfully completed. In the postoperative period, the animals were cared for by shelter staff and volunteers.

The municipality emphasized that such programs are an important part of a strategy for humane control of stray animal populations and for reducing the risk of disease spread. It is also noted that sterilized animals have a higher chance of being adopted into families.

The Mayor of Famagusta, Süleyman Ulucay, and representatives of NETAP stated that the cooperation will continue. According to NETAP President Lisa Goldinger, sterilization remains the most effective and humane way to address the problem of stray animals. The municipality provided logistical support for the project and confirmed its readiness to develop similar initiatives in the future.