DOG POISONING CASE SHELVED
Decision to place investigation on back-burner angers animal lovers
ANIMAL-loving residents in the Marina Alta are up in arms after a decision to 'archive' the case of dozens of dog poisonings in several towns in recent years.
A sentence that will strike fear into the hearts of all dog owners in the Marina Alta and other areas affected by random dog poisonings was made by the secretary of the government delegation for Alicante province, Juan Antonio Cuadros on Tuesday during a security meeting in Benissa.
“The investigation into poisonings is now archived because the perpetrators are unknown. At the moment it has not been possible to clarify who the people are who actually carried out these crimes” Cuadros said during the meeting.
He did say that “Progress has been made regarding the modus operandi and the circumstances during which the poisonings took place, but we are lacking further evidence needed to advance the investigation and find the culprits”.
The statement was a shock to many after the Guardia Civil announced earlier in the year that they were investigating six people for the crimes.
However, this week it seems that all evidence collected has been insufficient to point the accusing finger.
Even so, the security board, chaired by mayor, Abel Cardona, did report some progress - the application of preventive measures as from January, when a new meeting will take place. Cardona reiterated his concern regarding the setback, requesting 'greater trust' when being provided with information from the investigation and said he was aware 'of the need to not compromise confidentiality of the complicated cases yet to be clarified.'
The events which occurred in 2012 and 2017, has not only affected Benissa but also other neighbouring towns, such as Teulada, Calpe, Moraira and the Jalón Valley.
The Valencian security agency, the local and provincial Guardia Civil, local police and civil protection, as well as the spokespersons of the local political forces also participated in the meeting.
“The Guardia Civil, the national police, local police and the provincial government itself will try to make every effort to prevent these situations and clarify who may be behind them” said Cuadros. “The first step is the January meeting where more concrete measures of prevention will be established and the Guardia Civil will be stepping up their investigation”.
What happens between now and January with regard to poison is now clearly of total concern to pet owners.