Paphos poisonings

Sir,

With reference to your article entitled ‘Paphos denies spate of pet poisonings’ (February 23), I would like to comment on the statement by Paphos Municipality Health Inspector Nikos Paspalis that animals are not dying due to poison in Paphos.

In one very small area of Konia village, Paphos, I personally know of six cases of animals being poisoned within the last six months. Three dogs died, another was lucky to survive despite picking up the poison twice within a few weeks, and in January I managed to get my own dog to the vet just in time for the antidote to be administered. The vet confirmed that he had been poisoned with lanate and was extremely lucky to survive.

I am also continually hearing similar stories about the Chloraka, Tala and Ayios Neophytos areas, while last year the lighthouse area claimed the lives of many dogs.

And not only animals are at risk. Last Saturday, my children were playing with their friends in the municipal park next to the Town Hall in Paphos when my eight-year-old daughter ran up with an unsealed nylon package bearing the words “Rat Poison, Keep Away From Children”. The children had found the package in the garden near a memorial.

It is undeniable that poisoning is a common occurrence in Paphos, though it is likely that the vast majority of these cases go unreported. I was unaware that I could have reported the poisoning of my dog to the Municipality, and I certainly have no faith in their ability to do anything about it.

Over the years I have signed many petitions and written letters calling for the banning of lanate, but nothing is ever done. The pet owners, the animal welfare charities and the vets are all aware of the many cases of poisoning, so there is no excuse for Mr Nikos Paspalis to be so ill-informed.

Sandie Karsera
Konia, Paphos

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