Somebody is systematically poisoning the dogs of Hermosillo, an industrial city in northern Mexico, and not just strays.
At least 64 dogs, all with owners, have died of a similar poison since mid-March. More stray animals have probably been killed, but had no one to file a complaint, authorities say.
An organic phosphate compound, possibly an insecticide or rat poison, apparently was used in most of the cases, and local media have dubbed the person responsible the Mataperros or The Dog Killer.
Not even dogs kept behind the walls of their owners’ homes are safe. Officials say the killer has tossed poison into the gated patios of some homes.
A male caller to a local radio station in Hermosillo claimed to be, along with accomplices, the killer. But he complained about loose dogs, dog bites and dogs spreading disease and uncleanliness — complaints that don’t match the narrative of attacks on pets inside their owners’ homes.
Animal rights activist Carolina de la Torre said she doubts one person could have poisoned so many dogs. But she noted there appears to be a modus operandi, poison wrapped in a hot dog or meat as bait.
It could range from a neighbour who is bothered by noise (from pets), or even thieves who want to get rid of the dog in order to be able to break into the house. Those are the two theories we are looking at.
– Caroline De la Torre, Animal Rights Activist
While killing a dog is considered a non-serious crime in Hermosillo, punishable by a fine of about $225, the dog killer has introduced poison into people’s homes, a much more serious crime involving trespass and risk for the human inhabitants that could carry a four-year sentence.
How it all Began
The killings started to come to light in mid-March. While an average of 10 dogs, mainly strays, are found dead in Hermosillo each month, authorities were stunned when 10 dead dogs were found or reported in one day.
Jose Luis Icedo, director of the city’s animal health center said at least 64 dogs have been poisoned admitting that the true number could be much higher.
It’s not clear how much attention authorities can dedicate to the case. Hermosillo is the capital of Sonora state, which is beset with larger problems of drug gangs and common crime.