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Please issue an ownership licence for your dog(s) within 14 days from today. A dog ownership licence is issued upon payment of the “Dog Licence Fee” of €20.50 per dog, once the following documents have been submitted to the Cash Office of the Municipality of Geroskipou:
1. The dog’s health certificate or health booklet, issued by a registered veterinarian.
2. Certificate of the dog’s identification by microchip.
3. Certificate of registration from the Government Veterinary Services.
4. The previous dog ownership licence.
Should you fail to obtain the licence, the Municipality of Geroskipou will take legal action against you without any further notice.

OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
Under the Dogs Law, any person who –

(a) keeps a dog without an ownership licence, or a dog that is not registered and identified,
(b) keeps a dog in breach of the provisions of this Law,
(c) performs any act with intent to deceive, or which is liable to deceive, the Competent Authority or the Director in the registration or control of dogs under this Law,
(d) abandons their dog or fails to take appropriate measures to prevent it from escaping or straying,
(e) allows or tolerates that a dog they own or have in their care –
(i) causes a nuisance to the public through loud and continuous barking,
(ii) fouls or contaminates any place with faeces without collecting them,
(iii) roams freely on a public road or in any public place without being kept on a leash, or on premises belonging to another person without that person’s consent,
(f) breaches in any manner the provisions of this Law,

is guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to imprisonment or to a fine, or to both such penalties.

For further information, interested persons may contact the offices of the Municipality of Geroskipou on telephone numbers 26962324 and 26961400, and the Citizen Service Office on telephone number 77778660.

According to the Dog Law (L.184(I)/2002) all dog owners are obliged to obtain a dog ownership license from the Municipality. To secure this license, the dog owner, who must be at least 16 years old, must perform the following steps:

1. Take his/her dog to a registered veterinarian who:

After examining the dog shall issue a health certificate or a booklet

After installing an electronic microchip, shall issue a marking certificate and a certificate of registration of the dog in the Register of the Government Veterinary services

2. Present to the Financial Department of Ierokipia Municipality the above certificates
3. Complete and submit the application for a dog ownership license
4. Pay the dog ownership license fees:

€ 20,50 for male, female and spayed/neutered dogs

€171,00 for dangerous breeds of spayed/neutered dogs

Dangerous breeds are: Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull, Japanese Tossa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazileiro.

The dog ownership license is valid for one year from the date of issue and the owner is obliged to renew it every year after presenting a health certificate / booklet issued by a registered veterinarian 5 days before the expire of the existing license and paying the appropriate fees.

Obligations of a dog owner:

• Keep the dog in good living conditions which do not pose a risk to public health, safety and human well-being.
• Ensure his/her health and take care of him/her according to the instructions of the

veterinarian.

• Place a sign in front of the entrance to the house fence with the warning “BEWARE DOG”. Do not allow the dog to move freely on a public road / place.
• Take care that the dog does not disturb the neighbours due to barking or dirt in his area.
• When the dog takes a walk must be tied with a leash and the owner has to collect his/her feces.
• Provide adequate shelter and protection from the weather. Provide sufficient food and water. Offer him/her suitable opportunities for exercise.
• Take all necessary measures to prevent his/her escape. Do not cause unnecessary pain and suffering to the dog. Do not abandon him/her.
• Protect the dog from theft, car accidents and intentional or accidental poisoning.
• In case of death of the dog, inform Ierokipia Municipality and provide the necessary death certificate.

In case of failure to issue the license, Ierokipia Municipality will proceed to taking legal action against the owners, without any further notice.

For further information/enquiries, please contact the Health Services of Ierokipia Municipality at these numbers 26962324 and 26961400.