A criminal case has been opened in connection with the recent deaths of 40 to 70 dogs in the 50th Anniversary of October park in western Moscow, police said Friday.
So-called dog hunters are suspected in the poisoning deaths of the animals earlier this month, Western District police spokeswoman Yulia Makartseva told Interfax.
The animal deaths were reported Thursday in an article in the Moskovsky Komsomolets daily, which said the dog owners believe their pets ate poisoned ground meat left out intentionally in the park.
Following the deaths, written warnings addressed to dog owners appeared on tree trunks near the park.
"You must understand — there will be no room for argument ?€” if you do not follow the rules for walking your dog, it will die," one message said, the daily reported. "A dog in a muzzle cannot eat the bait, no matter how much it wants to. Tell your friends to put leashes and muzzles [on their dogs]. If the park once again looks like a giant kennel, then there will be much more bait and inside it will be tiny fish hooks and amatoxins."
Several dog owners in turn posted messages advertising rewards of up to 100,000 rubles ($3,200) for information about the culprits.
Western District police have opened a criminal case in connection with the deaths, with a charge of animal cruelty, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.