Cyprus-based Briton runs marathon for animal welfare after fatal poisoning of dog
Source: in-cyprus.com
Cordelia De Bono, whose own dogs fell victim to deliberate poisoning in Cyprus, is channelling her experience into positive action by running her first half marathon to support animal welfare organisations across the Mediterranean.
De Bono, who relocated from Malta to Cyprus over two years ago, will participate in the Kassios Dias race in Corfu. The choice of location holds special significance, as Corfu has been a “second home” to De Bono since her teenage years, she notes.
The fundraising initiative comes in the wake of a personal tragedy when her family lost one of their rescue dogs, Hutch, to poisoning in their neighbourhood of Ergates, Nicosia. A second dog narrowly survived a similar attack days later, an experience that strengthened their resolve to advocate for animal welfare reform in Cyprus.
“After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of a pet who was poisoned, my family and I are even more determined to spread compassion and kindness to animals across Europe,” says De Bono, who has transformed a room in her home into an impromptu animal shelter and has successfully fostered and rehomed 15 cats since moving to the island.
The funds raised will support three organisations: Kassioipi Cat Meow in Corfu, which neuters approximately 150 cats annually; Project Paws in Cyprus, which facilitates the rehoming of Cypriot cats throughout Europe; and the Nicosia Dog Shelter, where De Bono adopted one of her own rescue dogs.
Despite facing what she describes as “a culture of casual cruelty toward animals” and bureaucratic obstacles that often discourage reporting of animal abuse, De Bono has established a local neutering programme and continues to provide care for animals requiring veterinary attention.
“Every year, I challenge myself to raise funds and awareness for animals who are victims of cruelty, abuse, and neglect,” says De Bono, whose own rescue family has grown from two to eight animals since moving to Cyprus.
“Your donations will help these organisations continue their vital work, giving animals in need a chance at a better life,” she says.
The original article: belongs to in-cyprus.com .
