Please report any poisoning in the Limassol area to us either by telephone or E Mail to enable us to warn other animal lovers.
LATEST ALERTS
15/08/08 15/04/08 Ithakics Street & area behind Welsh Crown Pub 2 cats killed by poison
03/08/08 3 dogs killed by poison Kolossi between settlement and old Paphos Road
03/08/08 1 dog killed by poison opposite Golden Baby Nursery Kolossi
17/07/08 2 cats killed by poison Governors Beach Caravan park
16/07/08 1 dog poisoned Governors Beach caravan park survived
12/07/08 2 dogs poisoned Governors Beach caravan park 1 died 1 survived
No reports for June
08/05/08 2 dogs poisoned1 killed1 survived Currium Beach near fields water melons SBA Area
01/05/08 Kanika Area 1 cat poisoned survived
30/4/08 Anexartisias Street off road leading to Episkopian Hotel Episkopi 2 dogs poisoned survived
22/04/08 Fasoula Village near church 2 dogs killed by poison
21/04/08 Fasoula Village 1 dog poisoned, survived, 6 or 7 cats killed by poison
15/04/08 Ithakics Street & area behind Welsh Crown Pub 3 cats killed by poison
13/04/08 Potamos Yermasya Near Longman Chinese 2 cats poisoned survived
02/04/08 Agia Zoni / Marks & Spencer opposite La Bottega Shop in
Theklasant Lisioti Road 1 Cat Killed by Poison.
27/03/08 Agia Zoni / Marks & Spencer opposite La Bottega Shop in
Theklasant Lisioti Road 1 Dog Killed by Poison.
26/03/08 Agia Zoni / Marks & Spencer opposite La Bottega Shop in
Theklasant Lisioti Road 1 Dog Poisoned survived after treatment by vet
21/03/08 Agia Zoni / Marks & Spencer opposite La Bottega Shop in
Theklasant Lisioti Road 1 Dog & 3 Cats Killed by poison
29/01/08 Kolossi 1 cat killed by poison
26/01/08 Kolossi 2 cats killed by poison
22/01/08 Kolossi 3 cats killed by poison
18-21/01/08 Ypsonas 5 dogs 2 cats killed by poison
POISONS COMMONLY USED
Insecticides, warfarin (rat poison) mixed with pork or chicken or canned pet food. Antidotes are available and may save the animal if the animal is treated immediately by a vet.
RECOGNIZING THAT AN ANIMAL HAS BEEN POISONED. THE SYMPTOMS:
Organo-phosphate poisoning (insecticides - liquid or powder) - salivating at the mouth, excessive tears, diarrhoea, constriction of the pupil, muscle twitching, asthmatic breathing, trembling, convulsion and coma.
Treatment: Get the animal to a vet as soon as possible. To give the animal the best chance of surviving, however, you should learn to administer first aid.
1. Induce vomiting: give salt or baking soda dissolved in lukewarm water into the mouth (30/60cc solution).
WARNING - if animal shows signs of nervousness such as trembling, staggering or collapsing, do not attempt an emetic as it can cause inhalation pneumonia. Continue to the next step instead.
2. Give an injection of atropine (1 vial for a cat or small dog, 2 to 3 vials for larger dogs) - injected into the vein (absorbed most quickly), into the muscle (absorbed less quickly) or under the skin (slowest absorption). Most vets in Cyprus will allow you to purchase a supply. Remeber to check for any use by dates.
Warfarin (Rat poison) - Sometimes, there will be no symptoms for 2 to 3 days. Then red/purple/dark blue patches appear on body or gums, a sign of internal bleeding. Gums will be very pale in colour. Warfarin damages the clotting mechanism and the animal can also haemorrhage from the nose, mouth, penis, vagina or rectum as well as internally.
Treatment: Get the animal to a vet as soon as possible where an injection will be given to help clot the blood and save the animal.
IMPORTANT: An animal that has been poisoned with insecticides is very sensitive to light and noise so protect it from both. Regardless of what poison has been used always keep animal covered and as quiet and comfortable as possible whilst transporting it to a vet.
IF SOMEONE THREATENS TO POISON AN ANIMAL:
Report threat to the police.
It is helpful to have a witness (not related to you). Give the name and address of the person threatening (if known) and ask the police officer to visit him/her as a warning. If it is not your own pet but a stray that has been threatened, tell the police you are a member of an animal welfare group, that the animals are looked after, neutered and vaccinated and pose no threat to the neighbourhood. Insist that your report is recorded!
IF YOUR ANIMAL HAS BEEN POISONED OR KILLED TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTION: Report it to your vet and ask them to confirm poisoning. Contact us for a copy of the Animal Welfare Law translated into English. Report it to Police, take your dead animal with you and refuse to leave the station until they take a report and promise to send an officer to investigate. Inform the the local mayor’s office, Inform your neighbours and seek their support to protect their own animals and small children who may inadvertently pick up and eat poisoned food.
Print out warning notices that poison has been spread in your area and attach them to electricity poles in your immediate area. Warn people walking their dogs to take extra care.
BE PREPARED!
Carry a first aid kit with you: bottled water, package of salt, atropine and syringes and a copy of this information. Put these things in a plastic bag and in your purse and/or car. Talk to your vet about how to administer first aid and what amounts to give. It can save your pet’s life.
You can make a difference, do not let your pets' suffering be in vain, do not leave it to others, protest and let your neighbours know how you feel. The magority of Cypriots do not hate animals and abhor the mindless actions of the sick individuals who take pleasure in poisoning cats and dogs.