The United Hunters Movement is facing intense public scrutiny after a protest that caused nearly two hours of traffic disruption on Sunday, accompanied by barbecues and growing concerns over their environmental impact. While the protest itself was framed as a symbolic act, it has sparked a heated debate about the potential environmental damage of their demands, particularly regarding year-round dog training in protected areas.
The protest, which took place along the Nicosia-Limassol highway, was met with widespread frustration. Despite prior agreements with police to limit the blockade, the demonstrators extended it far beyond the anticipated time frame. In the aftermath, the focus has shifted from the traffic chaos to the controversial nature of the demands put forth by the hunters.
Central to the United Hunters Movement’s stance is their call for unrestricted, year-round dog training, including within Natura 2000 Zones. These zones, designated to protect Europe’s most valuable wildlife habitats, could be significantly impacted by the proposal. Critics argue that the increased training, especially during sensitive wildlife reproduction periods, could harm the island’s fauna.
Yesterday, a delegation from the Movement met with Interior Minister Constandinos Ioannou to discuss their demands. While the protest received minimal acknowledgment during the meeting, the Movement’s insistence on all-year dog training was emphasized. In response, the Interior Ministry acknowledged the ongoing evaluation of the situation but underscored that any changes must align with European wildlife protection laws.
Nicolas Prodromou, the head of the United Hunters Movement, dismissed media criticism of the protest’s duration, focusing instead on the government’s failure to meet their key demand. “The real issue is the training of hunting dogs year-round, including during wildlife reproduction periods,” he stated. The Interior Ministry, however, pointed out that such activities are regulated by the 2009 European directive on wild bird preservation, which restricts certain actions during breeding seasons.
The hunters are pushing to extend their training period beyond the current restrictions, which limit dog training between March 7th and July 14th, 2025, in 42 designated areas. The government has promised to evaluate the matter further, but officials have made it clear that any amendments will be based on national and European legal commitments aimed at protecting wildlife.
The meeting also touched on other issues, including tougher penalties for poaching and stricter enforcement through fines. The Gaming Service is also considering the use of cameras and drones to monitor illegal activities. In addition, hunters have demanded the regulation of photovoltaic park developments, which have been limiting hunting grounds. The government has already frozen all new photovoltaic park applications since May 2023 in response to this concern.
Next month, the United Hunters Movement is scheduled to meet with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou to discuss further demands, particularly related to fishing and Natura 2000 Zones. Prodromou warned that if their demands are not met, the group would escalate their protests.
Meanwhile, the Hunting and Wildlife Management Federation distanced itself from the protest, reiterating that it does not support actions causing public disturbance and clarifying that it was not involved in organizing the demonstration.
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