British tourists and expats in Cyprus have called for a boycott of a hotel in Cyprus after staff threw a puppy into a waste shredder.
The dog, named Billy, suffered terrible injuries and died days later.
Thousands have signed an online petition called “Billy’s Law” calling on Cyprus to enforce its anti-animal cruelty laws, the Daily Mail reports.
Expats protested outside the hotel on Friday, carrying banners reading “Punish people who mistreat animals” and “Support Billy’s Law and end animal cruelty now.”
On Sunday, a memorial ceremony for Billy was held at his grave in Paramytha, reports incyprus.
British tourists found the dog after the incident at the Anastasia Hotel in Protaras.
A manager and two employees of a hotel in Cyprus were suspended and the two employees were questioned by police after they allegedly recklessly threw the dog into the machine.
According to Cyprus News Report, the hotel owner issued a statement saying: “Tsokkos Hotels would like to clarify the following regarding this unfortunate and reprehensible incident: The hotel management has received complaints from customers that a sick stray puppy was roaming around the hotel and near the pool area.
“Immediately following these complaints, the hotel manager instructed two hotel employees to take the puppy to a local animal shelter to receive proper care. In addition, the hotel manager informed the appropriate authorities to resolve the issue.
“Unfortunately, the two employees did not follow the hotel manager’s instructions and committed an inhumane act that is unacceptable and condemnable for Tsokko’s Hotels.
“As soon as Tsokkos Hotels became aware of the incident, the puppy was taken to a veterinary clinic in Paralimni to receive the necessary treatment.”
If the dog had survived, the hotel would have ensured that he would have a loving new home, the statement said.
It continues: “We have immediately informed the police to conduct a detailed investigation and document the incident. Tsokkos Hotels would like to confirm that based on the outcome of the police investigation, we will take all necessary measures, including legal action and strict sanctions against all employees involved in this horrific act.”
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