Dog owners in Sant Adrià de Besòs live in fear following a spate of alleged deliberate poisonings in the La Rambleta area. For approximately a month, owners have reported dogs falling ill after walks, with some incidents proving fatal. The area of concern is the Passeig de la Rambleta, a central promenade situated near the Besòs river.

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The alarming situation has prompted pet owners to spread awareness through social media. According to reports, at least one dog has died, and five others have been made ill. These incidents have left owners reluctant to walk their pets in the area, fearing for their safety.

Details of the Poisonings

Pilar, a local pet shop worker on Avenida Catalunya, recounted the distressing experience of her two-year-old dog, Goan, to Metrópoli Abierta. After a walk in the Rambleta area, Goan began convulsing and expelling blood.

“I thought he was dying,”

Pilar recalled. A veterinarian diagnosed Goan with acute and sudden pancreatitis, attributing it to something he had ingested. Pilar realised that Goan had been eating grass in La Rambleta, something he usually did. The difference this time was that half an hour after returning home, he began to bleed profusely.

Fortunately, Goan survived. Although he lost two kilograms and will require lifelong medication, Pilar is grateful he is alive. However, other dogs have not been so lucky. According to local reports, a Siberian Husky, a regular on the Rambleta, died after exhibiting similar symptoms. Disturbingly, nails were found in the dog’s stomach.

Evidence of Deliberate Poisoning

Over the past few weeks, pet owners have reportedly discovered evidence suggesting the poisonings are intentional. They found empty packets of rat poison, reportedly from the popular Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona, in rubbish bins in the area. Additionally, pet owners discovered chicken drumsticks and other meat products laced with nails and tacks, believed to have caused the Husky’s death.

Official Response

The Ajuntament de Sant Adrià de Besòs (City Council) has stated it is aware of the situation. It emphatically denies using chemical products for gardening, tree maintenance, or rodent control in public spaces. The Local Police urge residents to report any suspicious activity. The City Council of Barcelona is a separate entity. Despite this, affected residents express feeling unsafe; for example, one resident from Sant Roc has stopped walking their dog in the area due to fear.

Possible Motivations

Some residents suspect a connection between the poisonings and the eviction of squatters from the B9 building in nearby Badalona. According to residents, since December, some evicted individuals have been sleeping on benches in La Rambleta, drinking heavily, and acting aggressively towards dog owners. One resident even claimed an individual threatened to kick her dog. However, the municipal government has neither confirmed this nor received any police reports of disturbances involving those evicted from the former institute.

Community Action

Faced with the perceived lack of action, pet owners are considering forming neighbourhood patrols to monitor the area if the problem persists. They are also requesting increased vigilance from the authorities.

“We want the council to do it. Even if they put Protecció Civil [Civil Protection] there. Just as authorities tell us off or fine us if we let our dogs off the lead, we want them to be on top of whoever is doing this in the same way,”

said one of the affected residents.

The situation in Sant Adrià highlights the growing concerns of pet owners in Catalonia. The Generalitat de Catalunya, the autonomous government, has laws in place to protect animals. The Decreto Legislativo 2/2008, for example, addresses animal welfare. However, the recent events in Sant Adrià raise questions about the enforcement of these laws and the safety of pets in public spaces.

The ongoing investigation into the dog poisonings in Sant Adrià is a developing story. Barna.news will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Sant Adrià de Besòs, situated along the coast near the mouth of the Besòs River, is a part of the Barcelona metropolitan area. It is located northeast of Barcelona city. The area has faced various challenges in recent years, including environmental concerns.

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