High alert for dog poisoning
Security meeting focuses on preventing repeat of recent year incidents
Local authorities fear repeat of last year's incidents
A SECURITY meeting was held in Benissa last week to discuss measures to focus on the prevention of a repeat of animal poisonings which were rife in the area in 2017 and 2018.
The meeting was held between representatives of Benissa council, the Guardia Civil, Seprona (the animal welfare section of the Guardia), local police, civil protection and the environment ministry. It was chaired by the deputy mayor of Benissa, Manuel Juan, who verified that the investigations related to cases of poisonings which occurred in 2017 and 2018 are still open, as confirmed by the Guardia Civil. The council asked for the results of toxicology tests, which have not yet to date been passed to the town hall, and as previously reported, may well have gone astray.
It was agreed that a co-ordination effort will take place between all security bodies in the area, including Seprona agents from El Verger and Altea, and the Guardia from both Benissa and Calpe. Seprona officers will also carry out specific training aimed at civil protection volunteers, environmental agents and other related groups in order to be able to observe more areas.
In addition, a search dog who specialises in the detection of poisons will be used throughout the vicinity at random times and dates. The dog has already been carrying out these duties in previously affected areas of Benissa in recent weeks.
An information campaign for residents will also begin, warning of the need to be vigilant at all times, keeping dogs on short leads when out walking, and muzzling them to pre- vent the ingestion of poisoned bait. Signs will be placed in rural areas to highlight the risk.
The first poisoning cases were reported in 2012. A group of men from the area were investigated last year for keeping illegal substances, but because the toxicology test results of the poisons - which may have matched those used - have still not been returned, they have not been charged with any offence.
Pet owners are advised to carry an emergency vet telephone number who is closest to the area where they are walking, and carry a bottle of agua oxigenada (available from all supermarkets) with them.
In case of suspected poisoning, two millilitres of oxygenated water should be used for each kilogramme of dog weight as this this can make a dog vomit, and possibly give owners time to reach a veterinary surgery. If a dog is unconscious, this method should not be used.