Fundraising event to prevent cruelty to stray dogs

Up to 1,000 people are expected to attend a fundraising event on Sunday (September 7) to help prevent cruelty to stray dogs on Cyprus.

The event - at Old Boat Corner Community Centre and playing field in Hollingbury - has been inspired by the terrible treatment of Billy, a poodle who was thrown into a rubbish-crusher behind a Cypriot hotel.

Billy was taken, in a coma, for medical treatment by vets, but his injuries were so severe he died. The people responsible have been arrested and charged.

Organisers of The Strays of Cyprus event, however, want to highlight cruelty to dogs in Cyprus and to fund organisations that are helping to re-home strays and to support spaying and neutering programmes.

They said: "Pressure is being put onto the Cypriot Goverment to fast-track their animal welfare programme and put it into play with immediate effect to stop the torture, murdering and mistreatment of animals in the country."

The event, from 10am to 7pm, will include stalls, a raffle, and an appearance by Darth Vader and his stormtroopers.

It is also an important event to showcase the work of the community centre, which is facing the threat of closure. There will be opportunities to learn more about the community centre's work and how to become a member. Drinks and ice-creams will be on sale.

For more information or to donate to The Strays of Cyprus, email [email protected]