REAL STORIES 2006 - 2005 - 2004 - 2003 -
2002
Vasco and Faith's story
LATEST
POISONING CASES WE HEARD:
PORTUGAL
POISONING CAIS COMERCIAL FARO AREA ALGARVE - 11 JANUARY
2006
www.observatoriodoalgarve.com/cna/noticias_ver.asp?noticia=4335
Received: Friday, January 13, 2006 10:52 PM
Place of poisoning: Portugal Time: 11 January 2006
Today I Know that 20 (twenty) dogs are died, poisoning, on the Cais
Comercial the Faro yesterday, 11 of January.
The Protecção Civil of Faro remove the dogs with the knowledge of
the PSP, GNR, Capitania.
A female dog is in the SOS veterinarian of Faro.
I send an e-mail to Animal and to Antidoto Portugal,and we try
spoke with the journalist of Correio da Manhã.
the Camara municipal de Faro knows what happened.
20 February 2006
"In January, 13, a lady, Mrs A, who usually feeds some of those
dogs has
called me. She was despaired and told me what had happened the day
before.
She told me that about 20 dogs have been poisoned and that the
Civil
Protection and the Maritime Police had already collected the dead
animals
and also some bones they found in order to make analyses. The lady
also told
me that she took one of the dogs (a female) to the veterinary and I
know
that this animal had survived.
To answer some of the questions in the mail:
I called Mrs C, we talked about this subject and we agreed that we
have to
contact the press. I called 2 journalists that I knew and 2
articles were
published: one in the "Observatório do Algarve" (on-line newspaper)
(see
that in www.observatoriodoalgarve.com/cna/noticias_ver.asp?noticia=4335
) and
the other in the Correio da Manhã (I saw the article but now I
can't say the
day it was published)
I think we will never know who made this terrible act."
*.*.*.*.*
PORTUGAL
POISON QUINTA DO LAGO/ANCÃO AREA ALGARVE - MON, 7 NOV
2005
Dear Sirs,
This is to report on that poison has again been found in the wooded
areas between Quinta do Lago/Ancão, Salinas, Varandas do Lago,
Quinta do Mar, Vale do Garrão. On Saturday 5th November, a lady
walking her dogs in the woods behind the riding stables on Aytron
Senna Avenue Quinta do Lago had her three dogs poisoned. One dog
died there, the second one yesterday at the vets and the third one
is not likely to recover. I also understand that a further 3 dogs
were poisoned in the same area.
Last year many dogs were poisoned in the same area which is within
the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
If you wish for further information please let me know.
Many thanks for an excellent website.
Name known by Action Against Poisoning
*.*.*.*.*
PORTUGAL - TRÀS-OS-MONTES March 2005
Trás-os-Montes,
some recent cases of suspected wildlife poisoning events.
The use of toxically
substances and its effect in wildlife.
It is still to be broadcasted in March 2005.
Toxics and Wildlife
News at Jornal da Noite, SIC, on Saturday the 26th February
The problem of the legal and illegal use of toxical substances and
some of the known effects over wildlife, will be the issue of a
work that will be broadcasted next Saturday at SIC. This work was
recorded in several places of Trás-os-Montes, after some recent
cases of suspected wildlife poisoning events.
The main goal of this news it to call the alarm to two situations
that are affecting Portuguese wildlife: the illegal use of poisoned
baits and the lack of control over the use (and the selling) of
several toxical substances currently available in the market.
This work was done in cooperation with Programa Antídoto -
Portugal, a platform of several Portuguese public and private
organizations and institutions that will accomplish its first year
of existence next March
Best regards
Ricardo Brandão
Programa Antídoto - Portugal
Travessa da Ferradura n.º 14, 1º frente
6000-293 Castelo Branco
Tlf/fax: (+351) 919457984/(+351) 272324272
antidotoportugal@iol.pt
antidotoportugal.no.sapo.pt
*.*.*.*.*
VICINITY
OF ODEMIRA PORTUGAL
on 15/02/05 21:52 we
received this email:
We live in the vicinity of Odemira. Within 2 weeks 2 of our dogs
were killed. We do not know how. But reading the symptoms in your
First Aid Kit we suppose it to be a herbicide. We own a big
Münzterländer. How can we protect him? Can you obtain the antidote
from the veterinarian?
Thank you.
Guten Tag,
wir wohnen in der nähe von Odemira. Uns wurden innerhalb von einer
Woche 2 Hunde getötet.
Wir wissen nicht womit. Aber laut ihrer ersten Hilfe vermuten wir
nach den Symptomen das es Ein so genanntes Pflanzenschutzmittel
war. Jetzt haben wir noch einen großen Münzterländer. Wie können
wir ihn schützen? Bekommt man die Spritzen beim Tierarzt.
Vielen Dank
*.*.*.*.*
POISONING
IN DAROEIRA, NEAR TAVIRA - PORTUGAL
on 27/01/05 21:49 we
received this message
"Just to report that three dogs are dead and four or five are very
sick at the village of Daroeira, near Tavira in Portugal. There are
also several dead cats and birds. Reports are that local hunters
have been putting out poisoned meat but other reports are that a
local "farmer" has been doing this as he has lost chickens."
Follow-up February 05, 2005
"Latest information I have - Another dog, different owner from the
two that already have been poisoned has disappeared/died. The two
owners live in the same village, Daroeira, in adjacent houses. They
have found another dead cat in the village. The owner of the two
dead dogs has submitted a written complaint to the Tavira GNR who
have said they will investigate. Will keep you updated when I hear
more."
*.*.*.*.*
THE-NEWS.NET Portugal www.the-news.net/ letters@the-news.net
ALGARVE - 02/10/2004
Residents traumatised by loss of pets
In the last week various dogs have died in a spate of poisoning in
the area south of Almancil. Naturally, owners are distraught at the
loss of their dogs, which for many are considered as
"family".
Many owners enjoy walking their dogs in the remaining pinewood
between Vale de Garrao, Quinta do Lago, and Pinetrees Riding
Centre. Since the area is off road and spacious most dogs run
without leads - and have a lovely time. It seems that the poison,
believed to be chicken containing Strychnine, could be in various
areas and dog owners are advised to take care.
Sometimes it is suggested that it is done to kill off strays, or by
someone whose sleep has been disturbed by barking dogs. Anyone who
is "into dogs" knows how dogs pass the word around the
neighbourhood when intruders are about.
Who is doing this? Oh to be able to catch the person who did this!
Sadly it is not just dogs, as it affects other wildlife within the
Ria Formosa. The Chief Warden was horrified to learn of these
occurrences and concerned for the consequences. It appears that
around 6- 8 dogs have been victims.
As for myself, I feel this is a loss of one of the qualities of
life that we enjoy within the "Golden Triangle" and feel threatened
for the safety of my animals. Now I have to keep dogs tied up in
the fear that they may wander. Needless to say one of the great
defences of our properties are our dogs and these residents will
now be more vulnerable. Bev Gibbons
*.*.*.*.*
THE-NEWS.NET Portugal www.the-news.net/
letters@the-news.net
Article March 5, 2005 page 35
"Sir. As a reader of your newspaper, it was with keen interest that
I noted your printing of letters from the public arena. Whilst I am
sure that this will only be a small cry for help within the huge
spectrum of animal cruelty, it would comfort me to know that if
published, your readers take heed from my comments and learn from
our experiences.
First and foremost it is important for me to convey how much I love
and respect this country. As a UK ex-pat, I am endeavouring to
learn the language and indeed live by the rules of Portugal. I
appreciate that we are to be labelled as 'foreigners' forever more
and with this in mind attempt to abide by the laws of the land
whether they be official jurisdiction or simply local custom and
practice. It is with great disappointment therefore that this sense
of loyalty is not reciprocated. It seems that our pets are
considered as vermin and should be poisoned. Within the last 2
weeks our 3 dogs have been poisoned seven times. One has died and
the other two have surprisingly survived. Friends and neighbours
have not been so lucky; 5 other dogs have been killed.
This all seemed to start when we were told that our dog had been
chasing a local farmers chickens. Whilst unproven, we took it very
seriously. Clearly, if true, we cannot be responsible for
destroying a local man's livelihood.
To that end, we took precautions by chaining the dogs up or taking
them for accompanied walks. Shortly after our vigilance campaign
commenced, the poisoning attack started. My neighbours 2 dogs were
killed, 8 cats were found dead and our dogs were badly poisoned but
survived. As if that was not warning enough, our dogs were again
poisoned on the following 3 consecutive days. As we had been
keeping such a close and watchful eye, it seemed unusual that this
was still happening. In an attempt to explore the matter further,
we scanned the area around our house within a 50 metre radius. This
search revealed more dead animals and meat placed under a bush
covered in a suspicious looking substance. When one of our dogs
finally disappeared and was presumed dead also, we searched again
only to find yet more fresh meat and substance secreted within the
immediate locality. We showed the meat to one of our Portuguese
friends who advised us that it was covered in a pesticide that has
been banned in this country for over 10 years. I could not grasp
the spelling of the substance but gather that its use was to aid
pest control on orange trees. Initially pointing towards the
hunters, one can now only presume that this is a malicious and
targeted attack. My plea to the Portuguese locals is to stop this.
We have responded to the complaints and have attempted to control
the situation so why continue with this cruel punishment ?
In conclusion, the advice that I aim to give to other dog and cat
owners is to keep a watchful eye over your pets at all times. Trust
no-one. Don't let your dogs roam free in open countryside. If
living near farm land, do not allow them to enter the vicinity.
Keep them on a lead if you are walking in a new place. Such is this
cruelty and heartache that if I was to have my time again, I would
not own or keep any pets; they should not be subjected to such
brutality. We can take care of ourselves, they are less able to do
so.
R.R.
Little Bear's story
Rosie's story
Vasco and Faith's story
Other
people's stories about poisoning and other cruelties inflicted on
defenseless animals:
Melanie Pitman: Our guide dog poisoned in Lanzarote,
Canary Islands (UK)
The poisoning of our do Silver in Alcoutim, Algarve
(UK)
Nora Roemer: my Australian Shepherd was poisoned in Sta.
Catarina (UK & PT)
Bitch poisoned in Tavira (UK &
PT)
Graça: cats poisoned in LoulÈ (UK &
PT)
Portugal: 14 dogs poisoned in the Algarve, 9 of which
died (UK & PT)
Alice Petcu: Dogs are Killed...
(UK)
Carlos Santos: Statistics in Canhestros, Barragem de
Silves (PT)
A warning from Portugal: When dogs are poisoned, so are
birds (UK)
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PORTUGAL poisoning on the FOZ DO ARELHO BEACH: 2 Dogs poisoned and
surived because of the good help by Carolyn
On October 28, 2004 we received the following email message from
Carolyn
I thought you might be
interested to know that I had two of my own dogs poisoned on the
Foz do Arelho beach on Sunday morning whilst we were all walking.
The smallest dog(6kgs.) must have eaten quite a lot of the poison
because he was very badly affected. According to the Vet it must
have been Insecticide that someone put into some food and left on
the Beach, on purpose because there are many abandoned dogs on that
beach.
I managed to save the dog s life with Homeopathic remedies whilst
we got him to a Vet. He received the Anti-dote and was given a
charcoal mixture, taken orally. He was on a drip for 30 minutes,
and now I am treating him with Natural Remedies for flushing out
his kidneys and liver, and for regenerating the liver.
I had both dogs on leads and I always watch carefully when they
walk there that they dont pick up anything, so the scrap of food
must have been very small, and the poison very strong!!!
My dog received the Anti-dote injection of Apropina (for that
particular type of reaction he was having). There is a poison that
is used where the dog has intermittent jerking spasms.
For this type, they do not give the injection, they flush and
stomach pump and then put the animal onto a drip. He then received
a black liquid(Carvao Vegetal) that looks like and is
Charcoal.
This brings all the poison in the body, to one place(the Bowel),
and then the dog passes it out. He was then put on a dripoff 5%
glucose with water, for 30 minutes.
When I brought him back from the beach in the early morning, and I
realised he had eaten poison, I gave him the Homeopathy. One dose
of Phosphorous immediately, then Nux Vomica 30 or 200 (whichever
you have), and Carbo Veg 200 or 30, 3 doses of each, 1 hour apart
(if you can afford the time. I could n¥t raise a Vet at 9.30am on a
Sunday morning, so I gave the Nux and Carb Veg. 5 minutes apart for
3 doses of each.
This is what stabilised the dog and helped him to breathe a little
bit. His tongue was blue and he was shaking all over with muscular
spasms.
He lost control of his bowel and foam was blocking his throat. He
is on the mend now and I am giving him Boldo Cynara 3 times a day
for 2 weeks, which drains the kidneys and Liver, and also Cardo
Mariano(Milk Thistle) which will regenerate the liver and kidneys.
This I am also giving him for 2 weeks.
POISONING
CAMPAIGN OLHAO ALGARVE September 2004
We were informed on the
poisoning of stray cats in the Algarve town of Olhao. The fourth
victim, found this month by the new local animal protection
organization ADAPO, was this cat living behind the old hospital. It
had been sterilized a year ago by ADAPO that runs Cat Cafe 's
around old factory ruins where feral animals live.
We know this lovely small fishing town Olhao, that is famous for
its "water dogs", as very liberal and friendly in the acceptance of
dogs and cats in their scenery.
The city council has warned its citizens to keep their pets inside
during a poisoning campaign against vermin. As expected from such
random actions stray and abandoned animals fell victim to these
practices.
POISONING
IN EXTREMADURA PORTUGAL September 1 2004
On September 1, 2004, we
received the following email message:
Please could you send me some information about a poisoning that
we
experienced yesterday, here in the Extremadura.
A tiny dog that someone was feeding at a holiday Villa, went off
into the
forest and later came back full of flies, proceeded to contort it's
limbs,
foam at the mouth, and vomit up raw meat. Of course it eventually
died in agony and so did all the flies.
Could this poison have had something sweet in it? We are interested
to know about the hundreds of flies that covered its body and died
along with it.
Thanking you kindly
The reaction of the veterinarian: poison in rotten meat.
About a week later another dog was found poisoned in the same way.
The dog
will be examined on poison. We keep you informed.
Follow-up
We didn't report the poisoning to the police as we have tried with
other
killings before, in fact I have been trying for over a year to
contact
someone who will listen to my stories of brutality in deserted
areas, of
people killing their animals inhumanely, but to no avail.
Everyone I speak to just passes me onto someone else, until you
give up
through desperation. I even wrote to the Portugal News about this,
but the
letter was not printed!!
The Sao Martinho poisonings were done inside a soft sausage on the
public
promenade where people walk their pets, so they were dying before
their
owners could get to Dr Ana Paula who is fairly close by. If not
dead, they
were definetely comatose, just from the smell with some of the
dogs.
It was apparently a "CLEANUP" before the Summer season, and the GNR
know who
is responsible, but are reluctant to do anything about it. So this
is what
we are up against in our area, which makes everything extra
difficult, and
they cannot say that they are poisoning rats on the public
promenade!!!!
Unfortunately my husband buried the little dog straight away
because
everyone was so stressed about the agonising death that they had
just
witnessed, but definetely we will do as you say next time.
We will try anyway, and who would I get to diagnose the dog and the
meat?
You may certainly register this incident on your web site,
and we thank you once again for your kind concern. We live in
the
Estramadura 1 hour north of Lisbon, in a little fishing village
called
Nadadouro, near the Foz de Arelho beach. A great deal of poisoning
goes on
here at our little fisherman's beach, but not on the
big, main beach where the tourists come.