The Cabildo of Lanzarote has been compelled to maintain the temporary suspension of hunting activities in the municipality of Haría following the confirmation of a new poisoning incident in the northern part of the island. This decision, announced on Wednesday, 20 August, extends a measure already implemented at the start of the month, aimed at curbing the spread of this illegal practice.
The Councillor for the Environment and Hunting, Samuel Martín, explained that the Department has intensified its investigations in recent days after discovering several affected domestic and wild animals. He noted that the institution had considered lifting the suspension on Thursday, 21 August, but the confirmation of a new case necessitated the extension of the ban.
Martín warned that “the issue is not limited to poisoning affecting hunting-related species; it involves fatal intoxications of domestic animals and poses a serious threat to the biodiversity of northern Lanzarote.” He emphasised that the situation not only endangers the hunting community but also constitutes a public health concern.
Additionally, the island’s president, Oswaldo Betancort, assured that the Cabildo “will not allow the safety of residents or the natural wealth of Lanzarote to be jeopardised by such harmful acts.” Betancort reiterated that the island corporation will continue to allocate all necessary technical and human resources to eradicate the use of poison, protect biodiversity, and ensure that hunting can resume “safely and responsibly.”
Urgent Hunting Council and Preventative Measures
The Cabildo of Lanzarote has called for an extraordinary and urgent Insular Hunting Council on Friday, 22 August. This meeting aims to assess the situation, strengthen preventative protocols, and analyse the feasibility of resuming the hunting season once current risks are ruled out.
The island corporation has reiterated its appeal to the hunting community of Lanzarote and La Graciosa to act responsibly and maintain heightened vigilance in natural areas, particularly in the northern localities of Máguez, Guinate, Gayo, and Ye.
If it is possible to ensure the safety of wildlife, people, and domestic animals, the institution intends to lift the ban. There is even consideration of extending the hunting period for feathered species as a compensatory measure for the time lost during the suspension.
The Cabildo has expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Environmental Agents, alongside members of Seprona, the Civil Guard, the canine unit from Gran Canaria’s Cabildo, and the Local Police of Haría.
For the time being, hunting activities in Haría remain suspended, with the island institution prioritising the eradication of poisonings and the restoration of safety in Lanzarote’s natural environment.
