INCIDENTS of poisoning of people’s unsuspecting pets for no apparent reason are sadly not unusual in Cyprus, but do not cease to be shocking, criminal behaviour.
This week saw an outbreak of mass Lanate poisonings in Ypsonas village outside Limassol, revealing the gravity of the situation, the apparent lack of will on the part of police and state to punish offenders and the need for organised mobilisation to campaign against such killings.
Since last Friday, five dogs, two cats and dozens of birds in Ypsonas have been killed after eating chunks of meat laced with Lanate, placed at strategic spots in the area.
“Last week, we had a beautiful six-year-old Labrador, a young Pointer Cross and two healthy cats. All part of our family,” said Steve Carr, an Ypsonas resident whose pets were killed by Lanate poisoning.
“On January 18, I was on my way to meet a client in Larnaca when my tearful wife phoned me saying the dogs were dying on the driveway. Despite the heroic efforts of the local vet, he unfortunately couldn’t save them.
“They died an agonising death in front of my poor wife and daughter. On Monday morning, one of our harmless domesticated cats died the same way. We now dare not let our last remaining pet out of the house,” Carr explained.
Neighbouring pets have also been targeted with the same poison, while wild birds in the area picking on the poison are also being killed. The incidents have been reported to police, and although local police assured Carr that they would be looking into it, no progress has been made so far.
Lanate seems to be a favourite for those aiming to poison animals, due to the ease with which people can access it, and the fact that it is odourless and tasteless, making it impossible to detect.
“The kind of psychopath that uses Lanate is probably trying to target pests such as snakes or rats. Perhaps they have a fear or loathing of cats or dogs. In other European or Western cultures these people would shoo them away or call the Local Authority to deal with the problem.
“Unfortunately there are a dangerous minority of Cypriots with an ignorant mentality who don’t think about the distress and pain they inflict on the innocent victims and their pining owners,” Carr said.
“This is 2008 and we live in the European Union! When is the Cyprus government going to wake up and do something to stop it? Talk to anyone in Cyprus. Ask them if they know anyone affected by this scandal.
“Everyone in Cyprus either knows someone or has been a victim themselves. I now know many pet owners who keep antidote injections at the ready. Some fear letting their pets out of their homes,” he added.
Determined to take action following the killings of his pets, Carr wrote a report of the incidents and forwarded them to a network of contacts. He received replies from a number of people who have had similar experiences in Cyprus, offering advice and suggestions on how to get organised against such criminal acts.
“We are tired of the attitudes, and for me in particular, the cruelty to animals perpetuated through ignorance. Not only that but the hunting and illegal trapping of threatened species by Neanderthals unhindered by a gutless government afraid to lose support,” said another exasperated pet owner, who had lived in Cyprus in the past.
“The only way to combat this is to have Lanate and other poisons of this nature banned from importation. A large enough pressure group will do this only if it affects votes. I am certain you will find support in Cyprus from the many animal groups, unemployed women and retired folk,” she added.
Carr is now determined to start a campaign against Lanate poisonings and presently looking for other people, interested in devoting time for this cause. “I would like to know if there are people who are interested in organising such a campaign.
“People, who have the time should get together and do something. I want something to come out of this and I want the government to listen,” said Carr.
n To get involved in the campaign, contact Steve Carr at [email protected]
My sisters dog was poisoned a couple of months ago, fortunately, the vet saved him. Its a very serious situation with innocent pets getting killed in such a way. All creadit to Mr Steve Carr for trying to do something about it.
i bet the police would be interested then? or when some child (god forbid) ingests some of this poison.
