Dog Poisoning Warning in Haría: SARA and Cabildo Urge Caution in Northern Lanzarote
Dog owners in northern Lanzarote are being urged to take extra care when walking their pets following reports of possible poisoning incidents in the municipality of Haría.
The warning has raised concern among local residents and animal lovers, particularly because Haría and the surrounding countryside are popular areas for dog walking, hiking and exploring.
The animal protection organisation SARA Protectora de Animales has issued a warning following reports of two suspected cases involving dogs in the Haría area.
At this stage, however, it is important to stress that poisoning has not been officially confirmed. Investigations are continuing to establish exactly what happened and whether a toxic substance was responsible.
SARA warns dog owners to be extra careful
SARA has advised people walking dogs in the north of Lanzarote to remain particularly vigilant while the situation is investigated.
Dog owners are being encouraged to keep a close eye on their pets during walks and, importantly, not allow dogs to eat food, scraps or other objects they find on the ground.
This is particularly important in rural areas, where dogs can easily investigate bushes, paths and open ground away from their owners.
SARA’s warning is not aimed only at hunters. It is relevant to anyone walking a dog in the affected area, including local residents, visitors staying in northern Lanzarote and people who regularly use the countryside for walks.
The organisation has also urged people to report anything suspicious rather than touching or removing it themselves.
Cabildo activates poisoning protocol
The Cabildo de Lanzarote has also responded to the situation by activating the protocol contained within the Canary Islands strategy dealing with the illegal use of poison in non-urban areas.
Additional surveillance has been introduced in the municipality while authorities investigate the reports.
Environmental agents are involved, alongside other enforcement and security bodies, as officials work to determine whether the deaths were connected to poisoning.
The Cabildo has specifically recommended that hunters avoid taking their dogs into Haría during the hunting day on Sunday, 23 August, while the investigation continues.
That advice comes shortly after the start of the 2026 hunting season in Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
What does this mean for people walking dogs in Lanzarote?
For most visitors to Lanzarote, there is no general restriction preventing people from visiting Haría.
The current warning should not be interpreted as a closure of the municipality or as confirmation that a widespread poisoning incident is taking place across northern Lanzarote.
However, if you are walking a dog in Haría or the surrounding countryside, it makes sense to take additional precautions until more information is available.
Dog owners should:
- Keep dogs under close supervision while walking.
- Do not allow them to eat anything found on the ground.
- Pay particular attention around bushes, walls, paths and areas where food or bait could potentially have been left.
- Keep away from anything that looks suspicious.
- Do not touch or move suspected bait or unknown substances.
- Report anything suspicious to the authorities.
- Contact a vet immediately if your dog becomes suddenly unwell after being outside.
The Canary Islands’ guidance on suspected poisoned bait also advises against handling or removing potentially contaminated material, as this could pose a risk and interfere with an investigation.
What if you find something suspicious?
If you see food, bait or an unknown substance that you believe could potentially be dangerous, keep your dog away from it and don’t touch it.
Make a note of the location if it is safe to do so and report it to the appropriate authorities.
If your dog may have eaten something suspicious, seek veterinary assistance as quickly as possible.
Possible signs of poisoning can vary depending on the substance involved, but sudden weakness, vomiting, shaking, unusual behaviour, excessive salivation, difficulty walking, seizures or collapse can all require urgent veterinary attention.
These symptoms can also have other causes, so owners should not try to diagnose the problem themselves.
The investigation continues
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
The Cabildo has increased surveillance in Haría and activated the relevant anti-poisoning procedures, while SARA is urging dog owners to take extra care.
For now, the message is not to panic, but don’t ignore the warning either.
If you’re walking your dog in northern Lanzarote, keep them close, don’t let them eat anything they find and report anything suspicious.
We will update this article if the Cabildo, SARA or other authorities provide further information about the investigation.
