Someone asked me recently 'what do you want from all this?'
I thought it was a really good question. Since we can never have our beloved Rasher back and since Jenny & Vernon can't have Foxy back, why do we carry on with this fight, which is, after all, distressing for everyone. Why don't we just accept what has happened and moved on?
One of the reasons is that at least something good could come out of this pointless event. If we can bring sufficient pressure maybe this will be the last time organised, institutionalised poisoning of dogs and cats happens on Sal.
The other things we want are the truth about what happened and for the people involved to be held accountable for their actions.
We also seek assurance from the Riu Funana Hotel (Sal, Cabo Verde) that any remaining poison has been removed from the areas in and around the hotel and that they are committed to not allowing this to happen again.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
From tripadvisor (holiday 20 September - 4 October)http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g482848-d599817-r47362132-Riu_Funana-Santa_Maria_Sal.html
"The most distressing part of our holiday was on the last evening of our holiday, we were sitting in the reception area near the grass and a large dog started fitting right in front of us. I went straight to the representitive who was at the desk and told him. Although he reported it to reception nothing was done and it took me three attempts to get anyone to come. I was distraught and by the time they arrived it was too late. We helplessly had to just watch the poor dog die an agonising death in front of us, they eventually took it away. The staff were then out in force in their green trucks and seemed to be checking for more dead dogs, but they didn't wash the grass area down where the dog was sick and died. Within minutes a cat wandered over to the same area and also died. This confirmed our suspicion of poisoning. (fortunately no children were around at the time!). No one come to apologise to us for the distressing scene we had witnessed and nothing was done to disinfect the area. Would I stay in this Hotel again - NO"
"The most distressing part of our holiday was on the last evening of our holiday, we were sitting in the reception area near the grass and a large dog started fitting right in front of us. I went straight to the representitive who was at the desk and told him. Although he reported it to reception nothing was done and it took me three attempts to get anyone to come. I was distraught and by the time they arrived it was too late. We helplessly had to just watch the poor dog die an agonising death in front of us, they eventually took it away. The staff were then out in force in their green trucks and seemed to be checking for more dead dogs, but they didn't wash the grass area down where the dog was sick and died. Within minutes a cat wandered over to the same area and also died. This confirmed our suspicion of poisoning. (fortunately no children were around at the time!). No one come to apologise to us for the distressing scene we had witnessed and nothing was done to disinfect the area. Would I stay in this Hotel again - NO"
Friday, October 23, 2009
Message from a recent guest at the Riu Funana
Subject: POISONING
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:26:30 +020
I stayed at the Riu Funana a few weeks ago & witnessed a dog die on the hotel grounds on 6th October. Very, very upsetting to see. I thought it had had a heart attack or fit. I immediately reported this to the hotel management but they didn't seem very shocked but I would be surprised if it was anything the hotel had done as they didn't seem to mind the dogs & cats & all the guests I spoke to, seemed happy to see them all. I certainly never witnessed any of these dogs being aggressive to anyone. They were all friendly. I am appalled over this poisoning situation & hope the authorities find out who is responsible & MAKE THEM PAY! This is so cruel & should not be happening.
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:26:30 +020
I stayed at the Riu Funana a few weeks ago & witnessed a dog die on the hotel grounds on 6th October. Very, very upsetting to see. I thought it had had a heart attack or fit. I immediately reported this to the hotel management but they didn't seem very shocked but I would be surprised if it was anything the hotel had done as they didn't seem to mind the dogs & cats & all the guests I spoke to, seemed happy to see them all. I certainly never witnessed any of these dogs being aggressive to anyone. They were all friendly. I am appalled over this poisoning situation & hope the authorities find out who is responsible & MAKE THEM PAY! This is so cruel & should not be happening.
Meeting at the President's Office
In a meeting with Sr Sergio Santos, who works with the President, Sr Santos stated that the Camara Municipal were very sorry that this poisoning took place. They do believe that there is a problem with stray dogs on Sal, especially the number of sick and neglected dogs that you see around. However, they know that random poisoning is not the answer and their aim is to introduce a registration scheme which would include an obligation to vaccinate and neuter animals. This is a great goal, but probably a long way off.
He informed us that any action to control dogs requires joint agreement from the Dept of Health and the Camara Municipal. He reiterated that in this instance, this most certainly did not happen and the Camara Municipal were unaware of any plan to place poison around the area of the Riu Hotel.
He stated that Sr Julio Cabral has confirmed that he put poison down on the beach outside the Riu Hotel and printed us a translation of the official letter that came from the Dept of Health (see below). One of the issues we discussed was where Sr Cabral obtained the strychnine from if not through official channels.
The Camara Municipal and the Department of Health are continuing to make enquiries and will keep us up to date on any progress.
He informed us that any action to control dogs requires joint agreement from the Dept of Health and the Camara Municipal. He reiterated that in this instance, this most certainly did not happen and the Camara Municipal were unaware of any plan to place poison around the area of the Riu Hotel.
He stated that Sr Julio Cabral has confirmed that he put poison down on the beach outside the Riu Hotel and printed us a translation of the official letter that came from the Dept of Health (see below). One of the issues we discussed was where Sr Cabral obtained the strychnine from if not through official channels.
The Camara Municipal and the Department of Health are continuing to make enquiries and will keep us up to date on any progress.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Has this happened before??
Horrified to find this written on TripAdvisor
Flights with Thomson, Hotel, Weather (although bit windy) almost everthing was wonderful except a couple of our group of 12 ladies were very upset by the way (we were told the staff at the hotel) dealt with stray dogs.
There were a group of dogs around the hotel, I nor any of my buddies were bothered or spoke to anyone who were bothered by them. They did not seem flea bitten, but I am sure were not vaccinated. We witnessed one dying in front of us on the beach after being poisoned by staff. It took an hour to die and was not removed for another hour. We were horrified. I understand there may have been complaints, but the way they were dealt with was horrific. We complained to Rep and asked to see manager of hotel, who did not appear so we presumed they knew exactly what was going on. Hopefully, things will improve.
I reiterate we all thoroughly enjoyed all other aspects.
Flights with Thomson, Hotel, Weather (although bit windy) almost everthing was wonderful except a couple of our group of 12 ladies were very upset by the way (we were told the staff at the hotel) dealt with stray dogs.
There were a group of dogs around the hotel, I nor any of my buddies were bothered or spoke to anyone who were bothered by them. They did not seem flea bitten, but I am sure were not vaccinated. We witnessed one dying in front of us on the beach after being poisoned by staff. It took an hour to die and was not removed for another hour. We were horrified. I understand there may have been complaints, but the way they were dealt with was horrific. We complained to Rep and asked to see manager of hotel, who did not appear so we presumed they knew exactly what was going on. Hopefully, things will improve.
I reiterate we all thoroughly enjoyed all other aspects.
Dept of Health agrees that poisoning took place
This is an extract from letter to Camara Municipal do Sal from Delegacao Saude (Dept of Health) as part of an ongoing investigation. This translation was sent to us from the office of the Camara Municipal do Sal.
“Replying your letter ref: 1282/9CM/66/2009, date 15/10/09, herewith we clarify that the Delegation did not authorise any dogs killing, wherever in Santa Maria or Algodoeiro or other places of the municipality within the time referred in your above letter. Furthermore we make clear that it dealt of a particular activity realised by the Sanitary Agent Mr. Júlio Cabral, as he himself confirmed, upon request of the Manager of Hotel Riu Funaná, Mr. Gerogio Kearel, since the stray dogs have been besieging and attacking tourists and residents of Santa Maria, even attacking the team in charge of the fight against paludism, on the site of Algodoeiro, which is under the responsibility of the Delegation of Health, making impracticable the anti-vectorial fight where there were spots of still water."
“Replying your letter ref: 1282/9CM/66/2009, date 15/10/09, herewith we clarify that the Delegation did not authorise any dogs killing, wherever in Santa Maria or Algodoeiro or other places of the municipality within the time referred in your above letter. Furthermore we make clear that it dealt of a particular activity realised by the Sanitary Agent Mr. Júlio Cabral, as he himself confirmed, upon request of the Manager of Hotel Riu Funaná, Mr. Gerogio Kearel, since the stray dogs have been besieging and attacking tourists and residents of Santa Maria, even attacking the team in charge of the fight against paludism, on the site of Algodoeiro, which is under the responsibility of the Delegation of Health, making impracticable the anti-vectorial fight where there were spots of still water."
Middle aged procedures?
First of all my deepest sympathy for you because of the poison death of your dog.
Yes, I remember the dog and also the dog of the windsurfing shop.
Maybe straying dogs are a problem on Sal - however - poisoning them should not be a responsible solution, there should be other alternatives to keep the number down. The Riu hotel should know about this and should also know that European tourists have no understanding for that kind of middle aged procedures , apart from the fact that the poison was on a beach with people all over. What will happen to the hotel because of this ??? Will anything happen ??
Thank you very much for the report and the photographes of our turtle nest. I think it was a good result, wasn't it ???
We wish you and all your organisation furthermore good luck and success with the turtles.
We shall visit your website regularly and not forget your organisation.
Best regards from Germany
(name withheld)
P.S. Isn't there anything that can be done that dogs and cats are not poisoned anymore ?????????
Yes, I remember the dog and also the dog of the windsurfing shop.
Maybe straying dogs are a problem on Sal - however - poisoning them should not be a responsible solution, there should be other alternatives to keep the number down. The Riu hotel should know about this and should also know that European tourists have no understanding for that kind of middle aged procedures , apart from the fact that the poison was on a beach with people all over. What will happen to the hotel because of this ??? Will anything happen ??
Thank you very much for the report and the photographes of our turtle nest. I think it was a good result, wasn't it ???
We wish you and all your organisation furthermore good luck and success with the turtles.
We shall visit your website regularly and not forget your organisation.
Best regards from Germany
(name withheld)
P.S. Isn't there anything that can be done that dogs and cats are not poisoned anymore ?????????
Has this happened before??
Horrified to find this written on TripAdvisor on the 7th March 2008
There were a group of dogs around the hotel, I nor any of my buddies were bothered or spoke to anyone who were bothered by them. They did not seem flea bitten, but I am sure were not vaccinated. We witnessed one dying in front of us on the beach after being poisoned by staff. It took an hour to die and was not removed for another hour. We were horrified. I understand there may have been complaints, but the way they were dealt with was horrific. We complained to Rep and asked to see manager of hotel, who did not appear so we presumed they knew exactly what was going on. Hopefully, things will improve.
I reiterate we all thoroughly enjoyed all other aspects.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g482848-d599817-r14114985-Riu_Funana-Santa_Maria_Sal.html
There were a group of dogs around the hotel, I nor any of my buddies were bothered or spoke to anyone who were bothered by them. They did not seem flea bitten, but I am sure were not vaccinated. We witnessed one dying in front of us on the beach after being poisoned by staff. It took an hour to die and was not removed for another hour. We were horrified. I understand there may have been complaints, but the way they were dealt with was horrific. We complained to Rep and asked to see manager of hotel, who did not appear so we presumed they knew exactly what was going on. Hopefully, things will improve.
I reiterate we all thoroughly enjoyed all other aspects.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g482848-d599817-r14114985-Riu_Funana-Santa_Maria_Sal.html
Monday, October 19, 2009
Attacks from wild stray dogs? Or just your average friendly Capeverdian dog?
Email from a recent visitor :
"I was interested to read your blog on "Life on Sal" regarding the poisoning of dogs. I stayed at the Riu Funana a few weeks ago & witnessed a dog die on the hotel grounds on 6th October. Very, very upsetting to see. I thought it had had a heart attack or fit. I immediately reported this to the hotel management but they didn't seem very shocked but I would be surprised if it was anything the hotel had done as they didn't seem to mind the dogs & cats & all the guests I spoke to, seemed happy to see them all. I certainly never witnessed any of these dogs being aggressive to anyone. They were all friendly. I am appalled over this poisoning situation & hope the authorities find out who is responsible & MAKE THEM PAY! This is so cruel & should not be happening. "
Kind of blows the 'massive dog attacks' theory out of the water.....
"I was interested to read your blog on "Life on Sal" regarding the poisoning of dogs. I stayed at the Riu Funana a few weeks ago & witnessed a dog die on the hotel grounds on 6th October. Very, very upsetting to see. I thought it had had a heart attack or fit. I immediately reported this to the hotel management but they didn't seem very shocked but I would be surprised if it was anything the hotel had done as they didn't seem to mind the dogs & cats & all the guests I spoke to, seemed happy to see them all. I certainly never witnessed any of these dogs being aggressive to anyone. They were all friendly. I am appalled over this poisoning situation & hope the authorities find out who is responsible & MAKE THEM PAY! This is so cruel & should not be happening. "
Kind of blows the 'massive dog attacks' theory out of the water.....
Response from the Riu Funana Hotel Sal Cabo Verde
An email from Riu head office & an attachment. Please note that my surname is not Costello.
"We were also very disappointed to read certain comments from you about RIU in the media which were also expressed towards our partners, both were neither appropriate nor correct.
We have always been very proud about our collaboration and it was very confusing to us to note how this matter was handled.
We saw us obliged to explain the real facts due to the defaming and attacking character of the communication initiated by you."
Poisoning of stray dogs in SAL
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are confronted with several very unpleasant and defaming publications about poisoning of stray dogs in Sal, Cape Verde.
These are the facts:
In the recent past we experienced an increasing number of attacks of wild / stray dogs. Riu clients were attacked while walking at the beach. Employees were bitten while cleaning the beach. Finally the attack on a guest’s child convinced us that the risk for our guests caused by these massive dog attacks was no longer tolerable. We informed the authorities of the country and asked them to take care of the safety of our common clients and other people. We owe this to our guests and employees. At the same time we do respect and act conforming the rules and regulations of the country.
Our decision to inform the authorities was appropriate. We would have done it in any other country too.
STATEMENT:
We are not aware of any organized poisoning nor did we blame any institution of doing so. RIU has clearly defined values. Respectful treatment of animals belongs to them. No need to record that we are neither interested in killing animals nor to expose our clients to animal cadavers on the beach where they are supposed to enjoy their best holidays ever.
We deeply regret the tragic death of Rasher, Mrs Costello’s dog. There is every sympathy with the emptiness and sadness she must feel after losing a lifetime friend especially in this awful way.
Every loss of a beloved is tragic and hurts. At the same time it doesn´t justify to damage the reputation of others. The General Manager of our hotel, Mr. Chiarel, was several times related directly and indirectly to the poisoning by Mrs. Costello.
This is not adequate.
Mr. Chiarel is one of our most expert team members. He works with an absolute dedication towards the country he lives in and for its people. He acts professionally in accordance to the rules and regulations of his host country.
Mr. Chiarel for example fights without any compromise for the safety of cats that live in the hotel area. The amount he spends for cat’s food and the local veterinary is huge. Furthermore he regularly is giving a helping hand to SOS Tartarugas to save turtles and their natural environment.
He has our total confidence.
CONCLUSION:
RIU is always working closely together with the local authorities to find solutions when problems occur. We will continue this way and investigate and analyse in collaboration with the authorities how to solve this stray dog’s problem.
"We were also very disappointed to read certain comments from you about RIU in the media which were also expressed towards our partners, both were neither appropriate nor correct.
We have always been very proud about our collaboration and it was very confusing to us to note how this matter was handled.
We saw us obliged to explain the real facts due to the defaming and attacking character of the communication initiated by you."
Poisoning of stray dogs in SAL
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are confronted with several very unpleasant and defaming publications about poisoning of stray dogs in Sal, Cape Verde.
These are the facts:
In the recent past we experienced an increasing number of attacks of wild / stray dogs. Riu clients were attacked while walking at the beach. Employees were bitten while cleaning the beach. Finally the attack on a guest’s child convinced us that the risk for our guests caused by these massive dog attacks was no longer tolerable. We informed the authorities of the country and asked them to take care of the safety of our common clients and other people. We owe this to our guests and employees. At the same time we do respect and act conforming the rules and regulations of the country.
Our decision to inform the authorities was appropriate. We would have done it in any other country too.
STATEMENT:
We are not aware of any organized poisoning nor did we blame any institution of doing so. RIU has clearly defined values. Respectful treatment of animals belongs to them. No need to record that we are neither interested in killing animals nor to expose our clients to animal cadavers on the beach where they are supposed to enjoy their best holidays ever.
We deeply regret the tragic death of Rasher, Mrs Costello’s dog. There is every sympathy with the emptiness and sadness she must feel after losing a lifetime friend especially in this awful way.
Every loss of a beloved is tragic and hurts. At the same time it doesn´t justify to damage the reputation of others. The General Manager of our hotel, Mr. Chiarel, was several times related directly and indirectly to the poisoning by Mrs. Costello.
This is not adequate.
Mr. Chiarel is one of our most expert team members. He works with an absolute dedication towards the country he lives in and for its people. He acts professionally in accordance to the rules and regulations of his host country.
Mr. Chiarel for example fights without any compromise for the safety of cats that live in the hotel area. The amount he spends for cat’s food and the local veterinary is huge. Furthermore he regularly is giving a helping hand to SOS Tartarugas to save turtles and their natural environment.
He has our total confidence.
CONCLUSION:
RIU is always working closely together with the local authorities to find solutions when problems occur. We will continue this way and investigate and analyse in collaboration with the authorities how to solve this stray dog’s problem.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Message from PETA
Words of encouragement from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) http://www.peta.org/actioncenter/report-cruelty.asp
"Jacquie, we're so sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, PETA receives so
many reports of dogs (and cats) who are either deliberately or
accidentally poisoned while running loose. These calls come from every
area: rural back roads, urban neighborhoods, suburbs, in the US and
abroad. After many years of this, we implore that kind guardians keep
their animals under careful supervision at ALL times when they're
outside, no matter where they are. We've taken a look at your blog, and
I must say you're taking all the right steps and doing everything we'd
advise in this situation. Unfortunately, without an eye witness you know
and trust who saw what happened, it's impossible to prove that any one
party deliberately did this. I strongly recommend that you keep doing
what you're doing--asking questions and spreading the word. At the very
least, this will help other guardians learn from your tragedy."
"Jacquie, we're so sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, PETA receives so
many reports of dogs (and cats) who are either deliberately or
accidentally poisoned while running loose. These calls come from every
area: rural back roads, urban neighborhoods, suburbs, in the US and
abroad. After many years of this, we implore that kind guardians keep
their animals under careful supervision at ALL times when they're
outside, no matter where they are. We've taken a look at your blog, and
I must say you're taking all the right steps and doing everything we'd
advise in this situation. Unfortunately, without an eye witness you know
and trust who saw what happened, it's impossible to prove that any one
party deliberately did this. I strongly recommend that you keep doing
what you're doing--asking questions and spreading the word. At the very
least, this will help other guardians learn from your tragedy."
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Outcome of meeting with President
Yesterday morning, Neal & I met with Jorge Figueiredo, the President of the Camara Municipal do Sal (Town Hall).
Sr Figueiredo did not know about the poisoning and seemed genuinely upset about it. We had forgotten that he knew Rasher and even remembered his name. He had met Rasher at the inauguration of our hatchery on Praia Antonio de Sousa.
The President told us that he does not agree with poisoning of animals and that he knows that it does not work. No one in the CM is authorised to put poison down and he said that they are not responsible for the poison outside the Riu Hotel.
While we were there he called Sr Antero Alfama, the counciller for the environment, who is aware of the incident and is investigating. He also spoke to Ana Paula, the head of the Health Department. It seems that the Health Department has been responsible for poisoning in the past. Sra Paula is in Santiago at the moment and did not know anything about it, but is also now going to investigate.
Sr Figueiredo was suprised that we had not reported the crime to the police, but it was something we hadn't really thought about. I don't know why, since it is against the law. He told us that he would talk to the judiciary police and instruct them to start an investigation.
Some progress I suppose but still a deathly silence from the Riu Hotel.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Witness Report
We now have a written testimony from a Belgian couple staying at the Riu Hotel who witnessed a woman deliberately feeding something to Rasher. When questioned she became angry and ran off.
My is (name withheld), I am from Belgium. I was a guest at the Riu Funana, Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde until the 14th October.
On Thursday 8th October I attended the presentation given by SOS Tartarugas at the hatchery on the beach outside the Riu Hotel. We watched the presentation from under the lifeguard station. Following the presentation, at approximately 5pm, we walked to the other side of the hatchery (close to ScubaCaribe) where there were other tourists watching.
There was a dog sitting outside the hatchery and as we were walking past we noticed a woman talking to the dog and holding something in her hand that she was offering to the dog. We asked her why she was feeding the dog as he was wearing a collar which meant he belonged to someone and also the dog appeared to be very well fed. The dog took the food from her hand.
The woman talked to us in a language we did not understand. She seemed upset that we were questioning her and immediately walked away towards the hotel. We did not see where she went.
The woman was wearing brown/red shorts and a white strapless top. She had dark skin and we feel she is probably of Capeverdian or Portuguese rather than African descent. She had dark shoulder length curly hair, small eyes and had broad hips. We looked for this woman during our stay but did not see her again.
My is (name withheld), I am from Belgium. I was a guest at the Riu Funana, Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde until the 14th October.
On Thursday 8th October I attended the presentation given by SOS Tartarugas at the hatchery on the beach outside the Riu Hotel. We watched the presentation from under the lifeguard station. Following the presentation, at approximately 5pm, we walked to the other side of the hatchery (close to ScubaCaribe) where there were other tourists watching.
There was a dog sitting outside the hatchery and as we were walking past we noticed a woman talking to the dog and holding something in her hand that she was offering to the dog. We asked her why she was feeding the dog as he was wearing a collar which meant he belonged to someone and also the dog appeared to be very well fed. The dog took the food from her hand.
The woman talked to us in a language we did not understand. She seemed upset that we were questioning her and immediately walked away towards the hotel. We did not see where she went.
The woman was wearing brown/red shorts and a white strapless top. She had dark skin and we feel she is probably of Capeverdian or Portuguese rather than African descent. She had dark shoulder length curly hair, small eyes and had broad hips. We looked for this woman during our stay but did not see her again.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
An appeal to the Riu head office & Riu Funana Sal Cabo Verde
The following is the text of an email sent to Riu Hotels head office on Friday 9 October. So far, no response, not even an acknowledgment. Very disappointing....
Because you have supported us in the past I would like to appeal to you to help us now.
Yesterday at 4.30pm our beautiful dog ate something just outside the hatchery on the beach in front of ScubaCaribe. He jumped into the hatchery to find Neal and convulsed and died immediately. Many of your guests witnessed this horrendous event.
Rod & Sheena who operate SurfZone also brought their dog, Cross, to the beach a little earlier. Cross was beside Rod all the time but also managed to ingest poison. He took a little longer to die in agony.
Jenny & Vernon walk their dog, Foxy, (in photo) past the Riu every morning. He also died. Several harmless stray dogs have also vanished.
We had a very difficult meeting with Giorgio this morning and were told that the Riu hotel is not responsible and that the management knew nothing about it. Giorgio supposes that it is the Camara Municipal do Sal who is responsible.
So far the Camara Municipal is denying any responsibility or knowledge.
Besides our own distress, we are seriously concerned for the people using the beach. Word has already started to spread within the hotel especially as so many guests saw Rasher die.
Regardless of who is responsible, I would like to appeal to you to do whatever you can to find out who is coming on to the beach your guests use and spreading dangerous poisons around. Together we could stop this disgusting practice before another person's precious dog is killed or worse, a child.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Because you have supported us in the past I would like to appeal to you to help us now. Yesterday at 4.30pm our beautiful dog ate something just outside the hatchery on the beach in front of ScubaCaribe. He jumped into the hatchery to find Neal and convulsed and died immediately. Many of your guests witnessed this horrendous event.
Rod & Sheena who operate SurfZone also brought their dog, Cross, to the beach a little earlier. Cross was beside Rod all the time but also managed to ingest poison. He took a little longer to die in agony.
Jenny & Vernon walk their dog, Foxy, (in photo) past the Riu every morning. He also died. Several harmless stray dogs have also vanished.
We had a very difficult meeting with Giorgio this morning and were told that the Riu hotel is not responsible and that the management knew nothing about it. Giorgio supposes that it is the Camara Municipal do Sal who is responsible.
So far the Camara Municipal is denying any responsibility or knowledge.
Besides our own distress, we are seriously concerned for the people using the beach. Word has already started to spread within the hotel especially as so many guests saw Rasher die.
Regardless of who is responsible, I would like to appeal to you to do whatever you can to find out who is coming on to the beach your guests use and spreading dangerous poisons around. Together we could stop this disgusting practice before another person's precious dog is killed or worse, a child.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
If you want to help
Spread the word that this is happening and make your voice heard. Mobilise tourists who care as well as your friends and family. The more people that make a fuss, the less we can be ignored.
You can email me for a suggested text in Portuguse and English and cc me on any response so that we can publish it.
A few suggestions to email :
Riu Hotel Sal clubhotel.garopa@riu.com
Riu Head Office www.riu.com (use the drop down menu in the contact section)
Thomson UK pressoffice@thomson.co.uk
Manager of Thomson in Sal brian_callanan@tui-uk.co.uk
President of the Camara Municipal do Sal Jorge.figueiredo@cmsal.gov.cv
Counciller for the Environment & Sanitation Antero.Alfama@cmsal.gov.cv
Any suggestions let me know.
You can email me for a suggested text in Portuguse and English and cc me on any response so that we can publish it.
A few suggestions to email :
Riu Hotel Sal clubhotel.garopa@riu.com
Riu Head Office www.riu.com (use the drop down menu in the contact section)
Thomson UK pressoffice@thomson.co.uk
Manager of Thomson in Sal brian_callanan@tui-uk.co.uk
President of the Camara Municipal do Sal Jorge.figueiredo@cmsal.gov.cv
Counciller for the Environment & Sanitation Antero.Alfama@cmsal.gov.cv
Any suggestions let me know.
Support from others
Jackie, I am so sorry about what happened to Rasher. I couldn't believe it when i heard. We also had a very sad day when Foxy died and so can imagine how you and Neil must feel.
Maybe an ideia would be to wrtite a formal letter to the council and get anyone who wants to protest to sign it. I can translate the letter into portuguese if needed. please count on me for any help i can give. This cruelty is unacceptable and must be stopped!!!
Rita
October 9, 2009 6:55 AM
Ali & Jonathan said...
We're gutted.You must be devastated ... what a horrible thing to do!
October 9, 2009 7:00 AM
Anonymous said...
Paul & I were very sorry to hear about Rasher - we left Sal on 5 October and had seen him on the beach. What an awful thing to happen.
October 10, 2009 1:58 PM
Eileen said...
I have written to Thomsons to make them aware of the danger. I will let you know their response. I am sure they will be horrified. Poor Rasher, Cross and Foxy - they didn't deserve it. Let's hope this furore will stop whoever is responsible before anything else happens.
October 9, 2009 6:55 AM
Ali & Jonathan said...
We're gutted.You must be devastated ... what a horrible thing to do!
October 9, 2009 7:00 AM
Anonymous said...
Paul & I were very sorry to hear about Rasher - we left Sal on 5 October and had seen him on the beach. What an awful thing to happen.
October 10, 2009 1:58 PM
Eileen said...
I have written to Thomsons to make them aware of the danger. I will let you know their response. I am sure they will be horrified. Poor Rasher, Cross and Foxy - they didn't deserve it. Let's hope this furore will stop whoever is responsible before anything else happens.
Response from the Camara Municipal do Sal
In answer to Sal Animal Rescue's request for information about whether the Town Hall are involved in this poisoning campaign, Snr Sergio Santos gave the following answer :
"Confirm receipt. Forwarded this very moment to Mr. Antero Alfama, Counsellor for Environment. I can advance that’s a downright lie the commitment of Camara in regard to this action. We will inquire on the matter."
"Confirm receipt. Forwarded this very moment to Mr. Antero Alfama, Counsellor for Environment. I can advance that’s a downright lie the commitment of Camara in regard to this action. We will inquire on the matter."
Who killed Rasher, Cross & Foxy and probably many more innocent dogs?
In a meeting on Friday 9th October with Giorgio Chiarel, the director of the Riu Funana Hotel, Sal, Cabo Verde the response was as follows :1) Why would you bring your dog to the beach anyway?
2) There is a problem with 'dangerous' stray dogs and this is an acceptable way to control them
3) The Riu Funana did not do this, we believe the Camara did and we have no control over what is a public beach
4) We do not involve ourselves in political things
5) We do not believe that there is anything hazardous (for people or dogs) on our beach
6) We will call the police if you tell our guests that there is poison on our beach and they need to be careful
7) You have a 'business' on our beach and you make a lot of money from us (I suppose the relevance of this is that we should shut our mouths)
Our view is that regardless of whether the Riu is responsible or have knowledge of this going on they have a responsibility to their guests and people like us and Rod & Sheena who work on their beach to find out who did this and to stop it happening again. We were surprised that Mr Chiarel was not angry about whoever it was endangering their guests and we were amazed that he did not want to know who is responsible.
We cannot comment on who is actually responsible and will probably never find out, but if you would like to voice your protest and encourage more to be done please email the Riu Funana Hotel, Sal Cabo Verde clubhotel.garopa@riu.com and the President of the Camara Municipal do Sal Jorge.figueiredo@cmsal.gov.cv.
Quem matou o Rasher, o Cross, o Foxy e provavelmente muitos outros cães inocentes?
Numa reunião com Giorgio Chiarel, o director do Hotel Riu, foi esta a resposta que nos foi dada:1) Mas porque é que vocês levam os vossos cães para a praia?
2) Existem cães de rua "perigosos" e esta é uma forma aceitável de controlar o problema;
3) O Riu não é responsável por isto, acreditamos que tenha sido a Câmara, e nós não temos
controlo sobre uma praia que é pública;
4) Nós não nos envolvemos em assuntos políticos;
5) Não acreditamos que exista perigo (para cães ou pessoas) na nossa praia;
6) Chamaremos a polícia se contarem aos nossos hóspedes que existe veneno na nossa praia e
que, por isso, precisam de ter cuidado;
7) Vocês têm um "negócio" na nossa praia e fazem muito dinheiro à nossa custa (suponho que
isto seja para nos mantermos calados);
Para nós, qualquer que seja a responsabilidade ou conhecimento que o Riu tenha acerca
deste facto, terão que ser responsáveis para com os seus hóspedes e para com as pessoas que,
como nós, o Rod e a Sheena, trabalham nestas praias. Portanto terão que averiguar
quem fez isto e assegurar que tal não volte a acontecer.
Ficámos surpreendidos por o Sr. Chiarel não estar apreensivo por se estar a colocar a
saúde dos seus hóspedes em perigo, e por não querer sequer averiguar quem
foi o responsável.
Não podemos afirmar quem foi, de facto, o responsável, e provavelmente nunca chegaremos a saber,
mas queremos dar voz ao nosso protesto. Quem queira fazer o mesmo poderá endereçar um e-mail
a clubhotel.garopa@riu.com ou para o Presidente da Câmara Municipal do Sal Jorge.figueiredo@cmsal.gov.cv
Is poisoning the answer?
Here's an important question to ask yourself if you think that elimination (through poisoning or shooting or lethal injection) works :IF THE GOVERNMENT OF CABO VERDE, BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS HAVE BEEN POISONING DOGS FOR MANY, MANY YEARS, WHY DO WE STILL HAVE A PROBLEM?
According to experts there are only 3 ways to solve stray dog problems.
(1) To kill or remove every single fertile bitch.
(2) To remove the food source, i.e. somehow prevent animal lovers feeding unsupervised dogs and remove all rubbish from the streets so that the dogs starve to death.
(3) ‘Neuter and Return’. (ie sterilisation and return to the street)
“In the long term, control of reproduction is by far the most effective strategy of dog population management” – W.H.O., Geneva, Guidelines for Dog Population Management, page 72.
Extermination campaigns, for example the indiscriminate poisoning of dogs irrespective of whether they are neutered and vaccinated or indeed pets with owners, have never succeeded anywhere in the world.
Stray dog populations anywhere depend solely on the amount of food available. Nature adjusts the population to the carrying capacity of the territory. If just one fertile female escapes being killed or captured she can breed up to 67,000 offspring in 6 years. That is why killing dogs can never succeed unless every single female is exterminated.
If however the carrying capacity of an area is filled with sterile animals the population will gradually die out, providing no fertile dogs can infiltrate from surrounding areas.
“Removal and killing of dogs should never be considered as the most effective way of dealing with a problem of surplus dogs in the community: it has no effect whatsoever on the root cause of the problem.” – Guidelines for Dog Population Management, W.H.O. Geneva 1990 (page 74).
“In none of the study areas did the elimination of dogs by any method have any significant long term effect on dog population size.” –Report of W.H.O. Consultation on Dog Ecology Studies related to Rabies Control, Geneva, 22-25 February 1988 (page 11).
Is strychnine hazardous to humans?
Between 30 and 120mg can kill an adult human. That is smaller than a headache pill you might take yourself. Imagine what a small dose could do if ingested by a child playing on the beach.
What is strychnine?
- Strychnine is a white, odorless, bitter crystalline powder
- Strychnine is a strong poison; only a small amount is needed to produce severe effects
- Strychnine prevents the proper operation of the chemical that controls nerve signals to the muscles. Muscles throughout the body have severe, painful spasms.
- Strychnine can be fatal to humans and other animals and can occur by inhalation, swallowing or absorption through eyes or mouth.
- Strychnine produces some of the most dramatic and painful symptoms of any known toxic reaction.
- The onset of symptoms is 10 to 120 minutes after ingestion.
- Symptoms include seizures and rigid extension of limbs.
- Death is usually secondary to respiratory paralysis.
- Strychnine is particularly cruel, causing terrible suffering to the dogs, crippling their nervous systems and choking them.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Are street dogs in Sal a problem?
Street dogs are a nuisance, they can be noisy and they make a mess when they scavenge in bins for food, but are they really a big problem? There are no fatal communicable diseases present in the dogs in Sal and no cases of rabies have ever been reported.
Many are not strays, but are 'cared for' in a different way to the way we would take care of our animals in Europe. The majority 'belong' to someone but are allowed to wander around town alone. Most Capeverdian street dogs found in Sal are potentially loyal, affectionate companions. Usually they are solitary, so the idea of feral or dangerous dogs wandering around menacing or biting humans is not a reality here in Sal. Most likely, the only time you will see a large gathering of dogs is when a bitch is in season.
Dog mess that is not removed could be a hazard, but relative to other developing countries and in other Capeverdian towns such as the capital, Praia, the number of street dogs seen in Sal is quite low.
Many are not strays, but are 'cared for' in a different way to the way we would take care of our animals in Europe. The majority 'belong' to someone but are allowed to wander around town alone. Most Capeverdian street dogs found in Sal are potentially loyal, affectionate companions. Usually they are solitary, so the idea of feral or dangerous dogs wandering around menacing or biting humans is not a reality here in Sal. Most likely, the only time you will see a large gathering of dogs is when a bitch is in season.
Dog mess that is not removed could be a hazard, but relative to other developing countries and in other Capeverdian towns such as the capital, Praia, the number of street dogs seen in Sal is quite low.
The facts about poisoning on Sal
Since we moved here two and a half years ago, we have heard a lot of talk about how the Camara Municipal (town hall) randomly place strychnine around town in order to control stray dogs. Talking to people we know at the town hall we were led to believe that this is an outdated practice and they used to do it but do not do it any more. Now we have direct and clear evidence that someone is deliberately poisoning dogs. Who is responsible is not clear.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
