Le Figaro Bordeaux
The last death was less than two weeks ago.
Since the end of December, the Mérignac stray cats association has recorded around ten sick cats in two neighborhoods of Mérignac.
Were they poisoned by products used in gardening or intentionally poisoned?
“Several people from Beutre and Chemin-Long explained to us that their cats had passed away
,” says Véronique Laveissière, the vice-president of the association.
Diarrhea, kidney failure or neurological deficiency, most of these animals presented similar symptoms, leading to suspicion that they had ingested a harmful product.
In fact, the trace of a virus or typhus is gone according to veterinarian Nicolas Layachi, who works regularly with this association, because the latter mainly affect kittens and not adult cats who have developed antibodies.
“
Cat colonies always cause tensions with certain local residents.
And with excess mortality of this type, the possibility of virology is still less frequent,”
explains the man who runs a family veterinary clinic in Bordeaux Bacalan.
Cooling liquid
Although it is impossible to confirm scientifically that it is poisoning because toxicological analyzes of cats presenting such symptoms are rarely carried out due to lack of resources, the veterinarian views these ten deaths with suspicion.
“We can estimate that at least 50% of these cases are due to poisoning, because cats are extremely vigilant animals who do not eat just anything
,” he analyzes.
According to his findings, these mysteriously sick animals would have ingested coolant intended for car engines, probably slipped into their water.
In his family practice, located in Bordeaux Balacan, diagnoses of cats presenting symptoms of poisoning are frequent.
“There are people whose hobby is to place poisons where cats are fed,”
insists the professional
.
Concerned, Mérignac stray cat volunteers also suspect malicious acts and advise cat owners in the neighborhood not to let them wander the streets.
Contacted, the Mérignac town hall has not yet responded to our requests.