Dog owners in Bordeaux are distressed by reports of poisoned meatballs in parks, leading to the tragic deaths of at least three dogs. Trainers and pet owners express their fears and frustrations, with one owner mourning his trained Malinois, Pendjab. Despite veterinary efforts, there is no antidote for the toxins. Approximately ten dogs have been affected this month, prompting complaints aimed at uncovering the motives behind these cruel acts.
In recent days, dog owners in Bordeaux have been alarmed by reports of poisoned meatballs laced with harmful substances discovered in local parks. A concerned user on Facebook shared, ‘Warning. Poisoned meatballs at Lake Cantefrêne. One owner picked up six.’ Another post added, ‘Three dogs have died from poisoned meatballs in public parks.’
Dog trainer Lucile Peyrat remains calm but vigilant during her walks. She notes, ‘I have several clients who no longer want to take their dogs to the park at all because they are afraid of losing them.’ In a recent report, she suggested that these poisonings may stem from a sense of revenge. ‘When I see joggers being jumped on by dogs, I can understand that they might be annoyed. But poisoning is a totally cruel act,’ she expressed passionately.
The Pain of Loss
Jacques believes his beloved dog, Pendjab, fell victim to this cruel act. ‘He was trained, he responded to over twenty commands, and it was nothing but happiness. We had a close relationship,’ he reminisces, struggling to hold back tears as he watches videos of his late companion. During a walk, Pendjab, a three-and-a-half-year-old Malinois, began to drool and convulse after consuming something from the ground. Sadly, the veterinarians could not save him. ‘For me, he was like a son. We were very close. He was in great shape. It was a rapid poison for him to fall so quickly,’ Jacques laments.
Marie-Françoise’s dog, Looping, also experienced poisoning during a stroll. She shows a document indicating toxicity levels. ‘It says ‘toxicity,’ the distraught owner reported while deciding to file a complaint. ‘I want to try to raise awareness about these despicable, unjust, and incomprehensible acts.’
Rising Concerns
Reports indicate that approximately ten dogs have been poisoned in Bordeaux since the beginning of the month, with one lucky canine receiving treatment at the VPLUS veterinary clinic in Saint-André-de-Cubzac (Gironde). The veterinarian, Mickaël Fabre, explained, ‘We did what was necessary to help him eliminate this medication, but there is no antidote. There is no miracle product that will counteract the toxin.’ He emphasized the importance of supporting the dog until the toxic substance is out of its system.
Without an autopsy, proving poisoning remains challenging. The clinic regularly treats cases of unintentional poisoning, which can arise from various sources. ‘We can find mycotoxins on compost and nuts, which can lead to severe disorders. But we also have products, like herbicides, that can cause unintentional convulsions and ultimately lead to poisoning,’ the veterinarian clarified. To uncover the true causes behind these tragic incidents, two complaints have been filed online.