Some 150 demonstrators on Sunday jostled with Protaras shopkeepers as they marched to a hotel to demand justice for Billy, the little dog who died after being thrown into a cardboard crusher by two hotel employees.
The protestors also blocked off the entrance to the hotel where the two, a Cypriot and a non-Cypriot, had been employed until the cruel incident, before peacefully leaving the areas.
In spite of a strong police presence, the protestors had on their way to the hotel been accosted by a number of shopkeepers in the area, some of whom threw eggs at them.
The shopkeepers complained the protestors were scaring away customers and tarnishing Cyprus’ image to tourists.
Sunday’s demonstration followed Billy’s death on Friday. He had been thrown in the cardboard crusher on June 24, and was rescued by concerned passers-by.
A demonstration was also held outside the hotel last Sunday.
The police have charged the hotel employees, who have been fired, and their manager in connection with the incident. The manager has also been suspended from his duties at the hotel.
Tsokkos Hotels said that the employees had not followed the instructions of their manager to take the dog to an animal shelter and committed to paying for Billy’s veterinary bills.
A post-mortem is expected to be carried out on Billy on Monday and Animal Party Cyprus has pledged to give him a proper burial.
Cyprus Weekly
