Dogs who would compete in the finals of the French Canicross Championship a modality in which dogs and their handlers run together died suddenly in Vauvert, France.
What happened?
- Oslo, Opale and Palma, three dogs who would compete in the final leg of the event, died after eating poisoned meatballs. The event qualifies for the Canicross World Championship, which will be held in Germany this year.
- A fourth dog that ate a meatball became ill but survived and is recovering. According to the veterinary clinic treating him, the animal should soon be returning home.
- The animals died fifteen minutes after eating the meatballs that were scattered around the rest stop parking lot. The day’s events were canceled and the dogs were rescued by vets but did not survive.
- No suspects were arrested and the area where the meatballs were located was cordoned off. The poison is still being analyzed by local experts and an animal cruelty investigation has been launched.
Shortly after the incident, Canine Sports and Leisure Association President Yvon Lasbleiz described the act as “particularly heinous” and stated that “the masters have lost an unconditional love, a companion who offered comfort and security”.
Nîmes prosecutor Cécile Gensac said that “a reconstruction of the evidence is underway to determine what happened”. He added that the crime of cruelty to animals carries “two years in prison and a fine of 30,000 euros”.
Anaïs, one of the runners, explained that the instructions were: “Don’t leave your dog on the ground, be very careful and keep him on a leash.” “It’s quite a shocking and traumatic scene for everyone,” added he added. “It’s living a nightmare while awake”.