In an email routinely being sent to people protesting the killing of dogs by poison at the RIU hotel, Thomson are stating things that are either incorrect or dubious.
"In this instance, the Riu Hotel in resort has advised that the area surrounding their hotel has suffered from a disproportionate amount of stray dogs in recent times. "
FACT : This is not just a recent way of dealing with stray dogs, reports from previous guests indicate that poisoning has taken place since at least 2007.
"The hotel felt obliged to consult with the local authorities with a view to addressing this problem."
FACT : No local authority was contacted (see posts below). The only person contacted was a private contractor who has admitted responsibility for the poisoning. The local government vehemently opposes poisoning of animals.
"concerns had been raised with regards to the wellbeing of guests and employees at the hotel following several worrying incidents including one member of staff being reportedly bitten by one of these strays."
FACT : The RIU have stated that this action was requested because a guest's child was bitten. Now it has become an employee that was bitten. An extract from the RIU's statement says : "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."
This inconsistency calls into question the veracity of this excuse.
"We have been assured by the Riu Hotel that this problem is being addressed solely by the local authorities."
FACT : Again simply not true.
This is really disappointing. Instead of looking the other way, these major corporations could lead the way by finding out the truth and speaking out against this cruelty.
If you want to protest you can email
PreTravelServices@thomson.co.uk
mila.dahle@tui.com
cschunk@riu.com
AfterTravel@thomson.co.uk
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Camara Municipal condemns poisoning
In an email from the office of the Mayor of Sal, it is made clear that they do not support poisoning of animals.
"The number of stray dogs is too high in the Island. It’s the reason that a for a long time authorities are trying to get financing to bring veterinaries to Sal for their castration. Castration by itself do not solve the problem, because we will, for a long time, keep on facing the problem of the great numbers of dangerous, non-treated, dirty, ill dogs strolling amidst the population.
But to be out of any doubts, we strongly condemn their killing with poison.
We will keep on doing our best to avoid such kind of behaviours against animals, but it must be quite understood that we believe that the way likely used by Riu, would be towards the protection of their hosts although in the worst manner , not taking into account that animals should as well be protected against such man’s bad behaviour even though the aim was peoples’ protection.
The stubborn insistence on blaming the City Council is beyond a reasonable comprehension."
"The number of stray dogs is too high in the Island. It’s the reason that a for a long time authorities are trying to get financing to bring veterinaries to Sal for their castration. Castration by itself do not solve the problem, because we will, for a long time, keep on facing the problem of the great numbers of dangerous, non-treated, dirty, ill dogs strolling amidst the population.
But to be out of any doubts, we strongly condemn their killing with poison.
We will keep on doing our best to avoid such kind of behaviours against animals, but it must be quite understood that we believe that the way likely used by Riu, would be towards the protection of their hosts although in the worst manner , not taking into account that animals should as well be protected against such man’s bad behaviour even though the aim was peoples’ protection.
The stubborn insistence on blaming the City Council is beyond a reasonable comprehension."
Poisoning was a private arrangement
In an email from the head of the health department it is made clear that Dr Santos believes poisoning is carried out as a private arrangement between Mr Julio Cabral and his clients.
Dear Sirs,
I would like to make it clear that the Health Department did not carry out and does not carry out such actions as a normal procedure, as it is not part of this department's plan of activity.
We were contacted by the Mayor, who gave us account of what happened. We immediately got in touch with the mentioned Health Department staff member, as the activity of this department requires a previous agreement of the entities involved in relation to any measures to be taken.
Mr. Julio is a Health Department technician, but he also has his own PRIVATE activities, the same way other people living on the island have their own companies, and this department cannot be liable for his actions outside business hours. I have been the Health Department head chief for 1 year and I have never been contacted by anyone to do this kind of service and since we are, in connection with the municipality and an association, in the process of implementing dog sterilization in Sal, we cannot by any means authorize or take part in such activities, for which we deny any liability. We are deeply sorry for the damages these actions may have caused you.
Nevertheless, the Health Department of Sal cannot answer for the actions of people in their private activities, even if these people are technicians of the said institution. I hope I was very clear on this matter and that all your queries were answered.
Best regards,
The Health Department Head Chief,
Dr. Ana Paula Santos
Dear Sirs,
I would like to make it clear that the Health Department did not carry out and does not carry out such actions as a normal procedure, as it is not part of this department's plan of activity.
We were contacted by the Mayor, who gave us account of what happened. We immediately got in touch with the mentioned Health Department staff member, as the activity of this department requires a previous agreement of the entities involved in relation to any measures to be taken.
Mr. Julio is a Health Department technician, but he also has his own PRIVATE activities, the same way other people living on the island have their own companies, and this department cannot be liable for his actions outside business hours. I have been the Health Department head chief for 1 year and I have never been contacted by anyone to do this kind of service and since we are, in connection with the municipality and an association, in the process of implementing dog sterilization in Sal, we cannot by any means authorize or take part in such activities, for which we deny any liability. We are deeply sorry for the damages these actions may have caused you.
Nevertheless, the Health Department of Sal cannot answer for the actions of people in their private activities, even if these people are technicians of the said institution. I hope I was very clear on this matter and that all your queries were answered.
Best regards,
The Health Department Head Chief,
Dr. Ana Paula Santos
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Rasher's Place
His place should have been with us, but this is his place now. On the beach forever. And the people who destroyed our family and our happiness can rot in hell.
How did Rasher die?
On Thursday 8 October Rasher accompanied the SOS Rangers to work as usual, where he often sat inside the hatchery or made friends with the Riu Funana Hotel Sal Cape Verde guests as they listened to Neal's presentation about turtles in Cabo Verde. At around 5pm he jumped into the hatchery and lay down. Five minutes later, Neal and the horrified guests saw him flip up into the air and land heavily on his back where he had a massive convulsion. In desperation Neal carried him to a nearby hosepipe and attempted to force water into him in an effort to flush the poison from his body. Neal knew right away that it was strychnine poisoning, as two other dogs had died that day in similar circumstances.It was too late, Rasher was already dead.
Rasher was a healthy 30kg dog (the weight of a 10 year old child). The dose that killed him within 10 minutes must have been massive.
Rasher could not have been mistaken for a stray as he always wore a collar with a name tag and our phone number attached.
For Neal the pain continues, since he cannot get the image of his beloved friend dying in agony or hear the thud as Rasher hit the ground. Even worse, despite being a nurse, he could not do anything to save him.
Neal is passionate about saving turtles in Cabo Verde and is a gifted presenter, working every day at the hatchery convincing everyone who would listen that everybody needs to help to prevent the extinction of turtles in Cabo Verde. This side of Neal's life is over, since he feels completely unable to set foot in the place where Rasher died. Anyone who heard him speak will know that this a great loss to turtles and to conservation.
About Rasher
Rasher was a six year old border collie/labrador cross. He was born in Dingle, Co Kerry, Ireland and did not have a great start in life as he was passed around a number of people before he settled with us. Rasher has visited seven countries in his short life and moved here with us in 2007. Anywhere we went, he went and he was a familiar face around Santa Maria, travelling, perfectly poised, on the back of our quad bike. He was friendly to everyone with a disconcerting habit of pushing his head between people's knees in order to get his neck and back tickled. He was part of the SOS Tartarugas team and frequently accompanied us to the hatchery at the Riu Hotel where he became known amongst the guests there. Rasher was our family and did not deserve to die in such a cruel, agonising and pointless way.
A message from the President
This email was sent to one of our friends who wrote to the President of the Camara Municipal do Sal expressing concern over the poisoning of animals :
The reaction that the Câmara Municipal had to this information was the same that you had. It's been several years now that we have been changing methods for this matter, which involves strategic castration of females. We have started an investigation with the Health of Department which is the office that coordinates this kind of situations and they were so few.
This situation has been identified and rest assure that we will do anything so it does not happen again. The cleanliness of the beaches is guarantied and I hope this incident doesn't deter you from visiting our lovely island. In case that you do, you can reach us for explanations. Safe trip.
Jorge Figueiredo
A reacção perante esta informação por parte da Câmara Municipal foi a mesma que a sua. Há vários anos que vimos alterando a metodologia relativamente a esta matéria, que passará por uma estratégia de castração das fêmeas. Saiba que instalamos um inquérito junto á delegacia de saúde que é a instituição que coordena as intervenções neste domínio e tão pouco foram eles.
A situação está identificada e pode ter a certeza que tudo faremos para que não se repita. Quanto à limpeza das praias está garantida e espero que este incidente não impeça a sua visita à nossa encantadora ilha. caso venha, pode entrar em contacto connosco para maiores esclarecimentos. Boa viagem
Jorge Figueiredo
The reaction that the Câmara Municipal had to this information was the same that you had. It's been several years now that we have been changing methods for this matter, which involves strategic castration of females. We have started an investigation with the Health of Department which is the office that coordinates this kind of situations and they were so few.
This situation has been identified and rest assure that we will do anything so it does not happen again. The cleanliness of the beaches is guarantied and I hope this incident doesn't deter you from visiting our lovely island. In case that you do, you can reach us for explanations. Safe trip.
Jorge Figueiredo
A reacção perante esta informação por parte da Câmara Municipal foi a mesma que a sua. Há vários anos que vimos alterando a metodologia relativamente a esta matéria, que passará por uma estratégia de castração das fêmeas. Saiba que instalamos um inquérito junto á delegacia de saúde que é a instituição que coordena as intervenções neste domínio e tão pouco foram eles.
A situação está identificada e pode ter a certeza que tudo faremos para que não se repita. Quanto à limpeza das praias está garantida e espero que este incidente não impeça a sua visita à nossa encantadora ilha. caso venha, pode entrar em contacto connosco para maiores esclarecimentos. Boa viagem
Jorge Figueiredo
Official investigation
The police have now started an official investigation as it has been determined that a crime has been committed.
Monday, November 2, 2009
People to email if you disagree with poisoning
Suggested text in English and Portuguese is in the post below.
Giorgio Chiarel - Manager, Hotel Riu Funana, Sal, Cabo Verde : clubhotel.garopa@riu.com
Claudia Schunk - Head of Communications, Riu Head Office, Spain : cschunk@riu.com
Brian Callanan - Country Manager, Thomson (part of TUI and largest tour operator here) : brian_callanan@tui-uk.co.uk
Press office - Thomson head office, UK : pressoffice@thomson.co.uk
Mila Dahle - TUI Head of Group Environmental Management : mila.dahle@tui.com
Dr Jorge Figueiredo - President Camara Municipal Sal (understands English) : Jorge.figueiredo@cmsal.gov.cv
Sergio Santos - Camara Municipal Sal (leading the investigation, understands English) : Sergio.Santos@cmsal.gov.cv
Dr Ana Paula - Head of the Department of Health, Sal : pulinhasantos@gmail.com
Riu general email - visit website and complete the form : http://www.riu.com/en-de/forms/contacto.jsp
TUI general email - visit website and complete the form : http://www.tui-group.com/en/meta/kontakt
Giorgio Chiarel - Manager, Hotel Riu Funana, Sal, Cabo Verde : clubhotel.garopa@riu.com
Claudia Schunk - Head of Communications, Riu Head Office, Spain : cschunk@riu.com
Brian Callanan - Country Manager, Thomson (part of TUI and largest tour operator here) : brian_callanan@tui-uk.co.uk
Press office - Thomson head office, UK : pressoffice@thomson.co.uk
Mila Dahle - TUI Head of Group Environmental Management : mila.dahle@tui.com
Dr Jorge Figueiredo - President Camara Municipal Sal (understands English) : Jorge.figueiredo@cmsal.gov.cv
Sergio Santos - Camara Municipal Sal (leading the investigation, understands English) : Sergio.Santos@cmsal.gov.cv
Dr Ana Paula - Head of the Department of Health, Sal : pulinhasantos@gmail.com
Riu general email - visit website and complete the form : http://www.riu.com/en-de/forms/contacto.jsp
TUI general email - visit website and complete the form : http://www.tui-group.com/en/meta/kontakt
Why we are asking people to voice their protest
It is so frustrating that no one will verify the safety of the beaches or give us assurances that the poisoning is going to end. Just a wall of silence. We can't understand why, so we are asking people to join us in protesting. The text below is an email we have sent to our friends, there is a suggested text in Portuguese if you would like to have some answers as well. Email addresses are in the post above.
In a report from the Department of Health Giorgio Chiarel, the manager of the Riu Funana hotel was named as the person who requested that a member of the Dept of Health take action to control the dogs on the beach. This may have been going on for some time (according to reports from hotel guests going back to March 2008). This was not an official activity since the local government (Camara Municipal) have ceased this practice as they know that it is an ineffective way of controlling the stray dog population. The RIU have neither confirmed or denied what happened.
The implications of this are enormous and unbelievable. Rasher was a healthy 30kg dog and he died within five minutes of eating the poison which was placed right beside our turtle hatchery, an area that is heavily used by adults and children alike. As horrified guests watched, Neal held Rasher as he died in agony.
It seems that this is an illegal activity and we hope to be able to bring a prosecution against the people responsible. So far the government and police are supporting an investigation but outside pressure will help our case considerably, particularly from potential tourists on whose money this island's economy depends.
Those of you who met Rasher will know what an amazing character he was and how unjust it is that his life ended in this way. The pain and devastation that it has caused us is enormous and has led us to question our future in this country and the future of our turtle conservation project.
Both RIU and TUI (who we believe jointly manage the hotel) have stated policies regarding protection of nature and treatment of animals
From TUI's website : TUI subsidiary companies accept responsibility and are committed to sustainable development and the protection of the environment and nature.
From a press statement issued by RIU : Our decision to inform the authorities was appropriate. We would have done it in any other country too. 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.
These policies clearly do not fit well with having poison randomly placed on public beaches and we expected them to speak out against it.
We have tried to have a rational and open dialogue with the hotel chain, RIU and the tour operator, TUI (who own UK operator, Thomson) but they have refused to answer us on any of the points that we have raised.
At the moment both the RIU and TUI also seem to be ignoring complaints which have come in from hotel guests who witnessed not only Rasher dying but other dogs inside the hotel grounds (see my blog for a graphic description of a dog dying and left unattended near the reception).
You can help us by spending a few minutes emailing the people who may influence whether this disgusting practice will end or whether it will continue to endanger holiday-makers, dogs and other wildlife.
If you email them and then ask your friends to email them as well the volume of complaints is going to become something they can no longer ignore.
Points you may like to mention include:
Whether RIU and TUI think that poisoning of dogs and cats is a solution to strays and if this is something that they will continue to support.
Whether all the poison has been removed from the beach and it is now safe for holiday-makers.
Whether they will state that they won't let this happen again
Whether they still say that they were not aware of any institutionalised poisoning despite evidence given by the Dept of Health
How you feel about visiting Sal and staying at the Riu Funana or Riu Garopa hotels whilst this is going on?
Whether you are likely to stay in any RIU hotel around the world.
We have also included a text in Portuguese which will be effective to send to the local government and Department of Health.
If you are able to send any emails could let me know and also please forward me any responses.
Ouvimos recentemente que veneno colocado nas imediações do Hotel Riu Funaná na ilha do Sal, retirou a vida a muitos cães e gatos rafeiros mas também ceifou a vida de animais acarinhados pelos donos que nesse dia visitavam a praia com eles. Estamos chocados com esta situação que acontece num país que procura atrair turistas e nem podemos acreditar nos riscos para as crianças e adultos, que nem sequer foram considerados. Pedimos então desta forma que parem com esta crueldade ineficaz e procurem métodos mais humanos como a esterilização paracontrolar a população. Este tipo de acções fazem-nos duvidar seriamente a nossa decisão de visitar Cabo Verde. Gostaríamos de de ter algumas certezas que envenenamentos em lugares públicos não vão acontecer mais e que o veneno colocado nestes lugares já foi retirado e que as praias já são seguras para visitar.
Esperamos uma resposta brevemente.
Cumprimentos
We have recently heard that poison which had been placed on the beach outside the Riu Funana on Sal island claimed the lives of not only many stray dogs and cats, but also the lives of well loved dogs who happened to visit the beach with their owners. We are appalled that this takes place in a country that seeks to attract tourists and we cannot believe that the risks to children and adults alike were not considered. We request that you stop this cruel and ineffective practice and seek other solutions such as neutering to control the stray dog and cat population. This kind of action will seriously affect our decision to visit Cabo Verde. We would like to have some reassurance that placing of poison in public places will cease, that all the poison has now been removed and that the beaches are now safe to visit.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
In a report from the Department of Health Giorgio Chiarel, the manager of the Riu Funana hotel was named as the person who requested that a member of the Dept of Health take action to control the dogs on the beach. This may have been going on for some time (according to reports from hotel guests going back to March 2008). This was not an official activity since the local government (Camara Municipal) have ceased this practice as they know that it is an ineffective way of controlling the stray dog population. The RIU have neither confirmed or denied what happened.
The implications of this are enormous and unbelievable. Rasher was a healthy 30kg dog and he died within five minutes of eating the poison which was placed right beside our turtle hatchery, an area that is heavily used by adults and children alike. As horrified guests watched, Neal held Rasher as he died in agony.
It seems that this is an illegal activity and we hope to be able to bring a prosecution against the people responsible. So far the government and police are supporting an investigation but outside pressure will help our case considerably, particularly from potential tourists on whose money this island's economy depends.
Those of you who met Rasher will know what an amazing character he was and how unjust it is that his life ended in this way. The pain and devastation that it has caused us is enormous and has led us to question our future in this country and the future of our turtle conservation project.
Both RIU and TUI (who we believe jointly manage the hotel) have stated policies regarding protection of nature and treatment of animals
From TUI's website : TUI subsidiary companies accept responsibility and are committed to sustainable development and the protection of the environment and nature.
From a press statement issued by RIU : Our decision to inform the authorities was appropriate. We would have done it in any other country too. 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.
These policies clearly do not fit well with having poison randomly placed on public beaches and we expected them to speak out against it.
We have tried to have a rational and open dialogue with the hotel chain, RIU and the tour operator, TUI (who own UK operator, Thomson) but they have refused to answer us on any of the points that we have raised.
At the moment both the RIU and TUI also seem to be ignoring complaints which have come in from hotel guests who witnessed not only Rasher dying but other dogs inside the hotel grounds (see my blog for a graphic description of a dog dying and left unattended near the reception).
You can help us by spending a few minutes emailing the people who may influence whether this disgusting practice will end or whether it will continue to endanger holiday-makers, dogs and other wildlife.
If you email them and then ask your friends to email them as well the volume of complaints is going to become something they can no longer ignore.
Points you may like to mention include:
Whether RIU and TUI think that poisoning of dogs and cats is a solution to strays and if this is something that they will continue to support.
Whether all the poison has been removed from the beach and it is now safe for holiday-makers.
Whether they will state that they won't let this happen again
Whether they still say that they were not aware of any institutionalised poisoning despite evidence given by the Dept of Health
How you feel about visiting Sal and staying at the Riu Funana or Riu Garopa hotels whilst this is going on?
Whether you are likely to stay in any RIU hotel around the world.
We have also included a text in Portuguese which will be effective to send to the local government and Department of Health.
If you are able to send any emails could let me know and also please forward me any responses.
Ouvimos recentemente que veneno colocado nas imediações do Hotel Riu Funaná na ilha do Sal, retirou a vida a muitos cães e gatos rafeiros mas também ceifou a vida de animais acarinhados pelos donos que nesse dia visitavam a praia com eles. Estamos chocados com esta situação que acontece num país que procura atrair turistas e nem podemos acreditar nos riscos para as crianças e adultos, que nem sequer foram considerados. Pedimos então desta forma que parem com esta crueldade ineficaz e procurem métodos mais humanos como a esterilização paracontrolar a população. Este tipo de acções fazem-nos duvidar seriamente a nossa decisão de visitar Cabo Verde. Gostaríamos de de ter algumas certezas que envenenamentos em lugares públicos não vão acontecer mais e que o veneno colocado nestes lugares já foi retirado e que as praias já são seguras para visitar.
Esperamos uma resposta brevemente.
Cumprimentos
We have recently heard that poison which had been placed on the beach outside the Riu Funana on Sal island claimed the lives of not only many stray dogs and cats, but also the lives of well loved dogs who happened to visit the beach with their owners. We are appalled that this takes place in a country that seeks to attract tourists and we cannot believe that the risks to children and adults alike were not considered. We request that you stop this cruel and ineffective practice and seek other solutions such as neutering to control the stray dog and cat population. This kind of action will seriously affect our decision to visit Cabo Verde. We would like to have some reassurance that placing of poison in public places will cease, that all the poison has now been removed and that the beaches are now safe to visit.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
Sunday, November 1, 2009
New eye-witness statement
Another eye-witness has come forward and stated that they saw lumps of meat being placed around the beach outside the Riu Funana hotel. The witness has identified not only the car but the person. In the morning he found two dead dogs and a dead cat on the beach. This is really helpful evidence for the police, but unfortunately the person in question is not likely to make a statement since they fear for their job if they speak out.
Why will the Riu hotel not confirm the poison has been cleared up?
Unfortunately we still have no confirmation from the RIU that the beach has been checked for poison and so we are unable to reassure the many people that have emailed us about it. In fact, still no response from them - why are they so reluctant to tell us that they won't let this happen again? Why do they still say that they were not aware of any institutionalised poisoning when the manager, Giorgio Chiarel has been named by Julio Cabral (the sanitary agent who placed the poison) as the person who phoned him?
Full text of my last correspondence with RIU head office :
I am assuming that you received my previous email, it is more than a week and I have had no reply from you yet.
It is disappointed to all of us that you seem to be unwilling to discuss with us what we and many others believe to be a serious issue which has led to the death of well loved pets and many stray dogs and which endangers people. We believe that all members of the public have a right to use a public beach without fear of poison and there needs to be a full investigation and explanation of what took place and some form of reassurance that people's pets and children will not be subjected to hazards like this in the future.
I stand by everything that I said about our meeting with Giorgio Chiarel and I have verified that what I have said is true with the other three people in the meeting. We went to the meeting in good faith expecting Mr Chiarel to be horrified, as we were, that our dogs had died on the beach outside the Riu. We did not accuse anyone of anything. We expected that he would respond with sympathy and tell us that he would look into it in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the Riu guests, wildlife and people's pets. We thought that he would stand with us and condemn this barbaric way of dealing with stray dogs. We saw it as an opportunity for the Riu hotel group to help to change a barbaric and outdated practice by standing with us and speaking out against it.
Instead we were met with anger and aggression.
Mr Chiarel even refused to speak to Vernon Archer because he did not do business with the Riu. He asked Vernon repeatedly 'do you have a concession with me?' and when Vernon said 'no, I am here because my dog died' he told him that he had no right to even be standing in his office. The meeting ended abruptly when Mr Chiarel shouted repeatedly 'are we finished? are we finished?' and left the room.
To say we were astonished is putting it mildly.
I have no reason to lie about this and I only want you and the other people at head office to understand why we feel upset at the way we have been treated.
I also have several points that I would like to make about the statement that you have issued. (RIU statement is in italics, our responses are in capital letters)
Poisoning of stray dogs in SAL
THIS IS MISLEADING SINCE MY DOG, VERNON'S DOG AND ROD AND SHEENA'S DOG WERE CERTAINLY NOT STRAY. IT IS AN INDICATION OF WHY STRAY DOGS CANNOT BE DEALT WITH IN THIS RANDOM MANNER, SINCE OTHER PARTIES BECOME VICTIMS TOO. IN THIS CASE DOGS, BUT THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT IT COULD BE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AS WELL.
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.
IT IS REALLY ODD TO HEAR THE CAPEVERDIAN DOGS THAT WERE SOMETIMES SEEN ON THE BEACH OUTSIDE THE RIU AS WILD. THE DOGS HERE ARE, ON THE WHOLE, QUITE AFFECTIONATE AND TIMID. COMMENTS REGARDING DOGS AT THE RIU HOTEL ON TRIPADVISOR RANGE FROM THE QUITE MILD SUCH AS 'THEY ARE ANNOYING BECAUSE THEY BEG FOR FOOD' TO THE ADORING - WITH GUESTS ADVISING EACH OTHER TO LOOK OUT FOR THEIR FAVOURITE DOGS.
WE HAVE NOT HEARD OF OR SEEN ANY ATTACKS ON ANY PERSON AT THE BEACH. NEAL AND I AND MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM ARE PRESENT ON THE BEACH EVERY DAY. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY PEOPLE WHO WORK ON THE BEACH AND MANY TOURISTS. NOBODY HAS HEARD OF A GUEST'S CHILD BEING BITTEN. CAN YOU PROVIDE ANY MORE INFORMATION? CAN YOU TELL US ON WHAT DAYS THESE ATTACKS TOOK PLACE?
TO HEAR ABOUT THESE ATTACKS SURPRISES US BECAUSE THERE WAS NO MENTION OF ANY PROBLEM WITH STRAY DOGS DURING OUR MEETING ON THE 9TH OCTOBER WITH GIORGIO CHIAREL.
We informed the authorities of the country and asked them to take care of the safety of our common clients and other people.
WHY THEN DID MR CHIAREL TELL US THAT HE KNEW NOTHING ABOUT ANY ACTION TO CONTROL THE DOGS ON THE BEACH?
I REITERATE THAT FOUR PEOPLE HEARD MR CHIAREL STATE THAT IF ANYTHING HAD HAPPENED ON THE BEACH IT WOULD BE SOMETHING ORGANISED BY THE CAMARA MUNICIPAL AS IT IS A PUBLIC BEACH AND THEY CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS THERE.
ALSO, IN WHAT WAY IS PLACING POISON ON THE BEACH OUTSIDE THE HOTEL AND MAYBE EVEN INSIDE THE HOTEL 'TAKING 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.
WE UNDERSTAND THAT AS PART OF THE OFFICIAL ENQUIRY MR JULIO CABRAL, A SANITARY AGENT, HAS STATED THAT HE UNDERTOOK THIS ILLEGAL ACTION AT THE REQUEST OF MR GIORGIO CHIAREL.
FURTHERMORE THE PRESIDENT'S ASSISTANT HAS TOLD US THAT THE DELEGATION OF HEALTH HAVE STATED THAT THIS WAS A PRIVATE ARRANGEMENT SINCE ANY OFFICIAL ACTION SUCH AS THIS NEEDS TO HAVE THE DELEGATION OF HEALTH AND THE CAMARA MUNICIPAL DO SAL'S COOPERATION. THE CAMARA MUNICIPAL HAVE STATED THAT NO SUCH COOPERATION EXISTED.
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.
IF THE ENQUIRY VERIFIES THAT MR CHIAREL REQUESTED THIS ACTION, WE HAVE TO WONDER WHAT WAS THE EXPECTED OUTCOME?
ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN IN CABO VERDE FOR A SHORT TIME IS AWARE THAT POISONING OF DOGS HAS BEEN THE WAY THE AUTHORITIES WAY DEAL WITH STRAY DOGS.
WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT THAT MR JULIO CABRAL IS THE SANITARY AGENT ON THEIR TEAM WHO HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR PLACING POISON IN THE PAST.
CAN YOU TELL US WHAT ACTION IT WAS THAT THE HOTEL WAS EXPECTING THE AUTHORITIES TO UNDERTAKE?
WE HAVE TWO EMAILS FROM GUESTS AT THE RIU HOTEL WHO WITNESSED AND REPORTED DYING DOGS INSIDE THE HOTEL GROUNDS, ONE ON THE 29TH SEPTEMBER AND ONE ON THE 6TH OCTOBER. NOW ANOTHER HAS COME TO LIGHT FROM BACK IN MARCH 2008. CLIENTS WERE INDEED, EXPOSED TO ANIMAL CADAVERS, NOT ONLY ON THE BEACH, BUT INSIDE THE HOTEL AS WELL.
HERE IS AN EXTRACT OF THE LATEST REPORT FROM A HOTEL GUEST WRITTEN AFTER THEIR HOLIDAY FROM 20TH OCTOBER TO 4 NOVEMBER:
"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"
THEREFORE, WE STRUGGLE TO ACCEPT THE ABOVE STATEMENT THAT NOBODY AT THE RIU WAS AWARE THAT POISONING TAKES PLACE HERE SINCE BOTH GUESTS REPORTED THE DYING DOGS (AND ONE MENTIONED THAT IT WAS LEFT LYING WHERE EVERYONE COULD SEE IT).
THIS ACTION IS CLEARLY NOT RESPECTFUL OF ANIMALS.
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.
IN OUR INITIAL MEETING MY AIM, THEN AS NOW, WAS SIMPLY TO GET TO THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER. I WAS SHOCKED AND HORRIFIED WHEN I WAS INFORMED THAT MR CHIAREL HAD BEEN NAMED IN A DOCUMENT FROM THE HEAD OF THE DELEGATION OF HEALTH. DESPITE EVERYTHING I ACTUALLY WANTED TO BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS A TERRIBLE, TRAGIC ACCIDENT AND NOT A DELIBERATE CRUEL ACTION.
AS I STATED ABOVE I STAND BY WHAT I SAID REGARDING OUR MEETING AND THE THINGS THAT MR CHIAREL SAID DURING THAT MEETING.
I DO NOT THINK THAT YOU CAN POSSIBLY UNDERSTAND THE DEVASTATION THAT THIS HAS CAUSED NOT ONLY TO US BUT TO MANY, MANY PEOPLE WHO KNEW RASHER, FOXY AND CROSS AND WHO ALSO MOURN THE UNKNOWN, UNNAMED DOGS WHO SUFFERED UNNECESSARILY, BUT I THANK YOU FOR THIS SENTIMENT AT LEAST.
I REQUEST THAT YOU DO NOT REFER TO ME AS MRS COSTELLO. MY SURNAME IS COZENS.
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.
I and other interested parties have been given the document from the Delegation of Health and are being kept informed of the progress of the enquiry, which I assume you are also. If you have any response to the remarks that I have made above, please tell me, I will publish them alongside anything that we write so that the information is freely available to all.
We welcome an honest, open discussion with the objective of stopping this cruel action and finding a better way to deal with the problems of neglected dogs and cats.
We wish to discover the truth about what happened and we welcome your assurance that the beach is now poison free and will remain so and that Riu Hotels do not support this ILLEGAL, disgusting and pointless practice.
I write with great sadness for everyone involved in this terrible event and for all the innocent dogs that died.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely
Full text of my last correspondence with RIU head office :
I am assuming that you received my previous email, it is more than a week and I have had no reply from you yet.
It is disappointed to all of us that you seem to be unwilling to discuss with us what we and many others believe to be a serious issue which has led to the death of well loved pets and many stray dogs and which endangers people. We believe that all members of the public have a right to use a public beach without fear of poison and there needs to be a full investigation and explanation of what took place and some form of reassurance that people's pets and children will not be subjected to hazards like this in the future.
I stand by everything that I said about our meeting with Giorgio Chiarel and I have verified that what I have said is true with the other three people in the meeting. We went to the meeting in good faith expecting Mr Chiarel to be horrified, as we were, that our dogs had died on the beach outside the Riu. We did not accuse anyone of anything. We expected that he would respond with sympathy and tell us that he would look into it in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the Riu guests, wildlife and people's pets. We thought that he would stand with us and condemn this barbaric way of dealing with stray dogs. We saw it as an opportunity for the Riu hotel group to help to change a barbaric and outdated practice by standing with us and speaking out against it.
Instead we were met with anger and aggression.
Mr Chiarel even refused to speak to Vernon Archer because he did not do business with the Riu. He asked Vernon repeatedly 'do you have a concession with me?' and when Vernon said 'no, I am here because my dog died' he told him that he had no right to even be standing in his office. The meeting ended abruptly when Mr Chiarel shouted repeatedly 'are we finished? are we finished?' and left the room.
To say we were astonished is putting it mildly.
I have no reason to lie about this and I only want you and the other people at head office to understand why we feel upset at the way we have been treated.
I also have several points that I would like to make about the statement that you have issued. (RIU statement is in italics, our responses are in capital letters)
Poisoning of stray dogs in SAL
THIS IS MISLEADING SINCE MY DOG, VERNON'S DOG AND ROD AND SHEENA'S DOG WERE CERTAINLY NOT STRAY. IT IS AN INDICATION OF WHY STRAY DOGS CANNOT BE DEALT WITH IN THIS RANDOM MANNER, SINCE OTHER PARTIES BECOME VICTIMS TOO. IN THIS CASE DOGS, BUT THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT IT COULD BE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AS WELL.
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.
IT IS REALLY ODD TO HEAR THE CAPEVERDIAN DOGS THAT WERE SOMETIMES SEEN ON THE BEACH OUTSIDE THE RIU AS WILD. THE DOGS HERE ARE, ON THE WHOLE, QUITE AFFECTIONATE AND TIMID. COMMENTS REGARDING DOGS AT THE RIU HOTEL ON TRIPADVISOR RANGE FROM THE QUITE MILD SUCH AS 'THEY ARE ANNOYING BECAUSE THEY BEG FOR FOOD' TO THE ADORING - WITH GUESTS ADVISING EACH OTHER TO LOOK OUT FOR THEIR FAVOURITE DOGS.
WE HAVE NOT HEARD OF OR SEEN ANY ATTACKS ON ANY PERSON AT THE BEACH. NEAL AND I AND MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM ARE PRESENT ON THE BEACH EVERY DAY. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY PEOPLE WHO WORK ON THE BEACH AND MANY TOURISTS. NOBODY HAS HEARD OF A GUEST'S CHILD BEING BITTEN. CAN YOU PROVIDE ANY MORE INFORMATION? CAN YOU TELL US ON WHAT DAYS THESE ATTACKS TOOK PLACE?
TO HEAR ABOUT THESE ATTACKS SURPRISES US BECAUSE THERE WAS NO MENTION OF ANY PROBLEM WITH STRAY DOGS DURING OUR MEETING ON THE 9TH OCTOBER WITH GIORGIO CHIAREL.
We informed the authorities of the country and asked them to take care of the safety of our common clients and other people.
WHY THEN DID MR CHIAREL TELL US THAT HE KNEW NOTHING ABOUT ANY ACTION TO CONTROL THE DOGS ON THE BEACH?
I REITERATE THAT FOUR PEOPLE HEARD MR CHIAREL STATE THAT IF ANYTHING HAD HAPPENED ON THE BEACH IT WOULD BE SOMETHING ORGANISED BY THE CAMARA MUNICIPAL AS IT IS A PUBLIC BEACH AND THEY CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS THERE.
ALSO, IN WHAT WAY IS PLACING POISON ON THE BEACH OUTSIDE THE HOTEL AND MAYBE EVEN INSIDE THE HOTEL 'TAKING 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.
WE UNDERSTAND THAT AS PART OF THE OFFICIAL ENQUIRY MR JULIO CABRAL, A SANITARY AGENT, HAS STATED THAT HE UNDERTOOK THIS ILLEGAL ACTION AT THE REQUEST OF MR GIORGIO CHIAREL.
FURTHERMORE THE PRESIDENT'S ASSISTANT HAS TOLD US THAT THE DELEGATION OF HEALTH HAVE STATED THAT THIS WAS A PRIVATE ARRANGEMENT SINCE ANY OFFICIAL ACTION SUCH AS THIS NEEDS TO HAVE THE DELEGATION OF HEALTH AND THE CAMARA MUNICIPAL DO SAL'S COOPERATION. THE CAMARA MUNICIPAL HAVE STATED THAT NO SUCH COOPERATION EXISTED.
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.
IF THE ENQUIRY VERIFIES THAT MR CHIAREL REQUESTED THIS ACTION, WE HAVE TO WONDER WHAT WAS THE EXPECTED OUTCOME?
ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN IN CABO VERDE FOR A SHORT TIME IS AWARE THAT POISONING OF DOGS HAS BEEN THE WAY THE AUTHORITIES WAY DEAL WITH STRAY DOGS.
WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT THAT MR JULIO CABRAL IS THE SANITARY AGENT ON THEIR TEAM WHO HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR PLACING POISON IN THE PAST.
CAN YOU TELL US WHAT ACTION IT WAS THAT THE HOTEL WAS EXPECTING THE AUTHORITIES TO UNDERTAKE?
WE HAVE TWO EMAILS FROM GUESTS AT THE RIU HOTEL WHO WITNESSED AND REPORTED DYING DOGS INSIDE THE HOTEL GROUNDS, ONE ON THE 29TH SEPTEMBER AND ONE ON THE 6TH OCTOBER. NOW ANOTHER HAS COME TO LIGHT FROM BACK IN MARCH 2008. CLIENTS WERE INDEED, EXPOSED TO ANIMAL CADAVERS, NOT ONLY ON THE BEACH, BUT INSIDE THE HOTEL AS WELL.
HERE IS AN EXTRACT OF THE LATEST REPORT FROM A HOTEL GUEST WRITTEN AFTER THEIR HOLIDAY FROM 20TH OCTOBER TO 4 NOVEMBER:
"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"
THEREFORE, WE STRUGGLE TO ACCEPT THE ABOVE STATEMENT THAT NOBODY AT THE RIU WAS AWARE THAT POISONING TAKES PLACE HERE SINCE BOTH GUESTS REPORTED THE DYING DOGS (AND ONE MENTIONED THAT IT WAS LEFT LYING WHERE EVERYONE COULD SEE IT).
THIS ACTION IS CLEARLY NOT RESPECTFUL OF ANIMALS.
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.
IN OUR INITIAL MEETING MY AIM, THEN AS NOW, WAS SIMPLY TO GET TO THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER. I WAS SHOCKED AND HORRIFIED WHEN I WAS INFORMED THAT MR CHIAREL HAD BEEN NAMED IN A DOCUMENT FROM THE HEAD OF THE DELEGATION OF HEALTH. DESPITE EVERYTHING I ACTUALLY WANTED TO BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS A TERRIBLE, TRAGIC ACCIDENT AND NOT A DELIBERATE CRUEL ACTION.
AS I STATED ABOVE I STAND BY WHAT I SAID REGARDING OUR MEETING AND THE THINGS THAT MR CHIAREL SAID DURING THAT MEETING.
I DO NOT THINK THAT YOU CAN POSSIBLY UNDERSTAND THE DEVASTATION THAT THIS HAS CAUSED NOT ONLY TO US BUT TO MANY, MANY PEOPLE WHO KNEW RASHER, FOXY AND CROSS AND WHO ALSO MOURN THE UNKNOWN, UNNAMED DOGS WHO SUFFERED UNNECESSARILY, BUT I THANK YOU FOR THIS SENTIMENT AT LEAST.
I REQUEST THAT YOU DO NOT REFER TO ME AS MRS COSTELLO. MY SURNAME IS COZENS.
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.
I and other interested parties have been given the document from the Delegation of Health and are being kept informed of the progress of the enquiry, which I assume you are also. If you have any response to the remarks that I have made above, please tell me, I will publish them alongside anything that we write so that the information is freely available to all.
We welcome an honest, open discussion with the objective of stopping this cruel action and finding a better way to deal with the problems of neglected dogs and cats.
We wish to discover the truth about what happened and we welcome your assurance that the beach is now poison free and will remain so and that Riu Hotels do not support this ILLEGAL, disgusting and pointless practice.
I write with great sadness for everyone involved in this terrible event and for all the innocent dogs that died.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely
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