Approximately 30 cats were found dead with foam around their mouths and poison found at Sfalayiotissa cemetery in Limassol, the Greens action group for animals said on Tuesday.

The group said the first cats that had fallen victim to the suspected mass poisoning were detected by people taking care of strays in the area on Saturday.

“We live in the year 2025 and at last there must be respect and love for animals. The way a society treats its animals reflects its true face. Let us all ask ourselves: what kind of society do we want to live in, a society where weak creatures are brutally exterminated, or a world that protects them?” the group’s Anthi Mouzourisaid.

Pictures circulating online indicate that the cats poisoned included both strays and cats that had a home, as some of them were wearing collars and were likely just roaming the area.

The poisoning of animals is a criminal act according to the Animal Welfare Act and is punishable by a fine, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

According to the Greens, the Limassol Animal police has already been informed and are investigating the case.

“We expect the police to fully clarify the case and await the implementation of the legislation [and] ask for frequent monitoring of the site, with the aim of preventing a similar incident. We urge anyone who knows anything about this to inform the relevant authorities,” the group concluded.