The water development department will carry out further inspections of water tanks and reservoirs and their surroundings to prevent the entrapment of animals, the agriculture ministry announced on Thursday.

Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said fences and escape routes would be inspected and repairs ordered if necessary.

She also noted that newly constructed artificial ponds would provide safe escape routes for trapped animals. 

Finally, she called on owners of smaller private reservoirs to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of animal entrapment, including fencing, the provision of escape ramps and regular maintenance of facilities.

The calls for better protection of water tanks come after several animals became trapped recently.

The Animal Welfare SOS Helpline is 99 655 581, providing a 24/7 emergency service in the event of accidents, injuries or poisonings of animals, but does not cover collecting stray animals.