A Race Against the Flames: Cyprus Shelter Imperiled

A recent wildfire near Limassol,specifically between Avdimou and Pissouri,has placed a dog shelter in grave danger,highlighting the escalating risks faced by animal welfare organizations during Cyprus’ increasingly intense fire seasons. The shelter, Rescue & Rehome Cyprus, now urgently seeks temporary homes for its canine residents as summer approaches.

The InfernoS Edge: A First-Hand Account

As the fire rapidly approached, the scene was one of chaos and urgency. Graham Shackleton, the founder of Rescue & Rehome Cyprus, recounted the harrowing experience:

Everyone in the district has already left on the coast, but I could not leave the dogs…
Graham Shackleton, Rescue & Rehome Cyprus

Shackleton’s shelter is unique in Cyprus, specializing in large breeds such as Huskies, mastiffs, and Rottweilers – dogs often abandoned after their novelty wears off. The sky above Avdimou turned a disturbing blood-red as ash rained down,underscoring the severity of the situation.

Isolated and Vulnerable: A Shelter in Peril

Nestled in the hills above Pissouri, the shelter’s secluded location, usually a haven for dogs regaining trust, transforms into a potential death trap each summer. The area is prone to wildfires, and the narrow access road offers a single escape route, making evacuation a high-stakes gamble.

When I sent the SOS message, the smoke has already covered the entire slope, and then 30 of our volunteers rushed to the shelter towards the fire while everyone else left.
Graham Shackleton, Rescue & Rehome Cyprus

thirty Minutes to Safety: A Miraculous evacuation

In a remarkable display of community spirit, volunteers managed to evacuate all 30 dogs to safety within a mere half-hour. This swift action averted potential disaster,aided by a last-minute change in wind direction.However, the incident underscores the precariousness of the shelter’s location and the urgent need for a more secure, long-term solution.

Summer 2025: A Looming Crisis

With temperatures already soaring above 40°C and water scarcity becoming a critical issue, the threat of wildfires is only expected to intensify. Firefighting resources are stretched thin, forcing aircraft to source water from the sea. Shackleton is actively seeking a safer location for the shelter, but bureaucratic hurdles are slowing progress.

A Plea for Help: Temporary Homes Needed

Currently,the shelter houses ten kind,well-socialized large dogs who urgently need temporary homes for the summer months. This is a critical intervention to protect them from the imminent fire danger.

We will bring a dog, provide food and a veterinarian. You just need to open her house for three months. It can save her life.
Graham Shackleton, Rescue & Rehome Cyprus

This call to action comes as Cyprus faces increasingly challenging environmental conditions, with rising temperatures and prolonged droughts exacerbating the risk of wildfires.According to recent reports from the Cyprus Meteorological Service, this year is projected to be one of the hottest on record, further emphasizing the urgency of finding safe havens for vulnerable animals.

How You Can Help

If you are able to provide a temporary home for a dog, please contact Rescue & Rehome Cyprus through their Facebook page or website: rnrcyprus.com. Your support can make a life-saving difference.