Recent reports of animals being poisoned by the illegal pesticide methomyl have sparked concern among animal lovers and rights advocates.

Methomyl has been banned in Cyprus since 2008 after being withdrawn from the European Union’s list of materials for use in plant protection products.

However, reports indicate that methomyl is still being illegally imported from the north, with it having repeatedly been used to deliberately poison animals, causing them to suffer a slow and agonising death.

“The use of any kind of poison to kill pets is despicable but it is especially problematic when it happens with illegal chemicals that are being imported into the Republic of Cyprus”, Cyprus Ecological Movement secretary-general Efi Xanthou told the Cyprus Mail on Friday.

Xanthou stressed that such criminal actions must be addressed to set an example and prevent more cases. She explained that methomyl poisoning causes severe breathing difficulties, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and a painful death.

The Animal Party, also commenting on the matter, urged authorities to tighten controls at crossing points, warning that these illegal imports could endanger both animals and humans.

Methomyl has been used as a pesticide since 1968. Initially intended for use in the agricultural sector, it has surfaced in various criminal cases of animal abuse where it has been maliciously used with deadly intent

Aside from cats and dogs, the pesticide has been found have caused the deaths of dozens of protected griffon vultures in Cyprus over the past 28 years.