Target: George L. Savvides, Attorney General of the Republic of Cyprus
Goal: Pursue appropriate criminal penalties and mandatory wildlife-handling reforms after a turtle carcass was allegedly mishandled in a shocking public incident.
Municipal workers were allegedly filmed repeatedly slamming and kicking a turtle carcass on the beach in view of the public. The widely circulated video reportedly caused significant distress to tourists and residents who witnessed the scene. Although a necropsy later determined that the turtle had died days earlier, the conduct reportedly shown in the footage prompted an investigation by animal and fisheries authorities.
According to official statements, the workers were assigned to remove the carcass as part of routine disposal. However, the manner in which the animal was handled was described by officials and advocates as unacceptable. Police have proceeded with public nuisance charges, citing the harm caused to public sensibilities, while animal welfare groups have raised concerns about inadequate training for handling protected wildlife.
When protected animals are treated with such disregard, even after death, it undermines public trust and animal welfare standards. This petition calls for meaningful accountability, proportionate penalties and compulsory training reforms so that wildlife is handled humanely and professionally, and such seemingly distressing incidents do not recur.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Attorney General Savvides,
We are writing to express grave concern over reports that municipal employees were filmed slamming and kicking a turtle carcass on a public beach, causing widespread distress to onlookers. The animal was later determined to have been deceased prior to the incident, yet the conduct apparently displayed remained deeply troubling.
The alleged actions occurred while the workers were performing an official task, which heightens the need for accountability and proper standards. Animal welfare advocates have pointed out that the incident reflects an alleged lack of training in the handling of protected wildlife, an issue with broader implications for public agencies.
We respectfully urge your office to pursue appropriate charges and penalties in this case and to support measures that mandate proper wildlife-handling training for municipal staff. Clear consequences and reforms are essential to uphold animal welfare standards and protect the public from similar distress in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Maria Isabella Bernotti
