Concern of dog poisoning
Early toxicology reports confirm use of strychnine
GUARDIA Civil are hunting for what could possibly be a serial pet killer, as it has emerged that a series of dog poisoning incidents which occurred last week, are in exactly the same areas as fifteen cases reported in 2017.
Three dogs died last week, two in the area of Quisi near Benissa, after they were poisoned whilst out on a walk. Other incidents have been reported from Llenes, Empedrola, the Oltà mountain, Benimarraig, Calpe, Llíber, Senija, Teulada-Moraira and Lleus.
Up to 20 dogs have been reported as poisoned, with many still undergoing emergency treatment. There is no antidote; the only possibility of recovery is emergency veterinary care.
Last year, poison was laid in a circular pattern, which also began in Quisi. The poison was then laid in Jalón, the N332 between Benissa and Calpe, the Bernia mountain, Pinos, Olta, Ferrandet, Benimallunt and then twice more in Pinos.
A total of 15 pets died, with one incident occurring when poison was thrown over a garden fence.
Following toxicology reports from a local vet, the poison has been found to be a type of rat poison known as strychnine. It is extremely dangerous, and can kill smaller dogs within five minutes, even by inhaling.
According to one owner whose dog was killed within an hour, it was a black powder laid beside a rural road near the Yeguada Bolufer riding stables.
Some symptoms of poisoning include instant vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures, but these can vary.
A press release from Benissa town hall stated the following:-
‘Guardia Civil, local police and Seprona are carrying out coordinated actions due to new cases of poisoning dogs in the area of Benissa. It has been confirmed there have been several deaths of dogs because of poisoning in the surroundings of Quisi and Lleus, in the area of Benissa. Again, as we have already informed through various media, it is recommended to use extreme caution with pets in order to avoid greater harm and while enduring this situation, advising pet owners to use a collar and lead.
The local police inform us that they are already coordinating efforts with other security bodies, such as the Guardia Civil and Seprona. There has been follow-up with associations who are informing the public through posters in rural areas, in addition to extra police patrols.
The Guardia say in Benissa there have been at least two complaints from owners, one in Benissa and one in Senija.
Unfortunately these cases may be increasing, and will welcome all kinds of cooperation from citizens, by contacting 96 573 07 22 .
The town hall of Benissa wishes to convey its most severe condemnation to new cases of poisoning in dogs.
Remember, if you notice any wild or domestic animals that have been poisoned, it is important to not touch or move it, and you must immediately call Seprona on 062 or to the aforementioned phone of the Guardia Civil in Benissa.
By Jo Pugh