The Sovereign Base Areas Police and the SBA Environment Department have launched joint operations to stop illegal training of hunting dogs in protected areas at Akrotiri, Episkopi and Paramali.
Training dogs inside Special Protection Areas is banned under the Game and Wild Birds Ordinance, as these sites are among the most important habitats in Cyprus for migratory and breeding bird species.
SBA Environment Officer Alexia Perdiou said many of the birds nest on the ground or in low vegetation and are highly vulnerable to disturbance.
She said fixed‑penalty notices are issued and reminded the public that dog training is banned across all SBA territory.
She warned that dogs moving through natural habitats can scare breeding birds from their nests, leaving eggs and chicks exposed to predators, and repeated disturbance can force birds to abandon nesting areas altogether. The risk is highest in the months after the hunting season, when training often overlaps with the breeding period.
SBA Police Inspector Tony Demetriou said offenders face a €300 fixed penalty, or on conviction, up to two years in prison, a fine of €3,417, or both.
He said drones and other specialist equipment are being used to monitor large areas and that joint operations will continue.
Illegal dog‑training activity can be reported to SBA Police on 1443.
