Mysterious death of stray and pet canines in Kolgaon has everyone alarmed; local police launch investigation
Laali, the pet dog belonging of Kimberly Dixit, CEO of The Red Pen, died of suspected poisoning on March 2
It seems someone is out on a killing spree in an Alibaug village and is targeting pet and stray dogs. An animal welfare organisation said 10 canines have died under mysterious circumstances in Kolgaon village near Mandwa jetty between February 15 and March 2. One of them was a pet dog, belonging to Kimberly Dixit, the CEO of The Red Pen — an education consulting firm. Laali was the last dog to have died of suspected poisoning in the village.
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“We have a bungalow at Kolgaon where Laali lived. On Tuesday [March 2], Laali, who was completely fit, suddenly fell ill and died. We, including Laali, had lunch around 2 pm and around 4.30 pm my daughter noticed Laali was foaming at the mouth and shivering. We informed the vet, but Laali died before he could reach. Laali must have eaten something between 2 pm and 4.30 pm, which resulted in her death.”
‘All poisoning similar’
“I think someone is poisoning the dogs in the area as our dog was poisoned the way others were. I have filed a police complaint and they visited my property for investigation. Since February 15, seven to eight dogs in our area have died in a similar way and so the police should investigate the matter and take strict action against those responsible for the death of innocent animals,” she added.
Kimberly said dogs her neighbours fed regularly have also died. However, it is still not clear whether the dogs were poisoned within the premises of the bungalows or outside. “Since it’s a remote area, the compound wall is broken in some places and so it is difficult to say whether the dog was poisoned inside the premises or outside,” Kimberly said. Kimberly told mid-day that Laali had similar symptoms 20 days back, too, but it was less severe so a local doctor was able to save her with an injection.
Insecticides used?
Animal welfare activist Rekha Dixit, who has been working in the area, told mid-day that the nine stray dogs had died similarly. “We suspect that all the dogs died of poisoning. The poisoning could also be taking place because of certain insecticides that are easily available in the local market and anyone can buy those from an agro shop without any paperwork. We don’t really know whether someone is intentionally poisoning the dogs. A proper investigation should be carried out. Unfortunately, we have no CCTV cameras in the vicinity.”
Insecticides containing organophosphorus are easily available in the market and used by farmers to protect their crops from insects and mites. Such insecticides are also used by locals as rat and snake repellent. “Many locals use rat poison (mostly organophosphorous), and mix this highly poisonous insecticide with food and leave it out for the rodents. There are chances that the dogs who scavenge might have eaten the same,” Rekha added.
Police speak
Police officer Deepak Satote from Mandwa police station said, “We have received the complaint and have started investigating the reason behind the death of dogs due to suspected poisoning. We have also informed the Sasavne gram panchayat and sought any information they may have. In order to catch the culprit, we have increased patrolling in the area.”
09
No. of stray dogs who died since Feb 15 in the village
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