The Cabildo of Lanzarote, through the Hunting Area, has announced that the temporary closure of hunting activities in the northern part of the island will continue following the confirmation of another case of animal poisoning in the municipality of Haría.

Hunting Wardens alerted the Environmental Agents of the Cabildo about the discovery of at least four dead Canary Ravens (Corvus corax canariensis) in the area, a species classified as endangered. After notifying the Government of the Canary Islands, the regional government has recommended extending the temporary hunting ban in Haría beyond the initial deadline of 3rd September.

Protocols of the Canary Vigilance Network and the Canary Strategy against the Illegal Use of Poison have been reactivated by the Cabildo to analyse the specimens and carcasses found.

Samuel Martín, the Cabildo’s Councillor for Environment and Hunting, stated, “With this suggestion from the Canary government following the find in an area where previous poisoning incidents occurred, it would be reckless to proceed with reopening, as there is no guarantee of safety for animals or the hunters themselves.”

Martín has communicated this decision to both the Lanzarote Hunters’ Society and the Haría Town Council, reminding them that, should it be validated by the competent authority, the temporary ban will be compensated by extending the hunting season in the northern area to prevent detriment to the hunting community.

Hunting Proceeds Normally in Other Parts of the Island

The councillor emphasised the “irresponsibility” of authorising a reopening while suspecting that indiscriminate poisoning may still be occurring in Haría. He has called for public cooperation to help clarify the facts and identify the suspected perpetrator(s).

Meanwhile, as agreed in the latest meeting of the Insular Hunting Council, hunting activities are proceeding normally in the rest of the island, while fieldwork and intensive monitoring continue in the north.

Cabildo Communication

In recent hours, the Cabildo of Lanzarote has informed the Hunting Society and the Town Council of Haría regarding the continuation of preventive measures through the following statement:

“In light of the new cases of poisoning detected in the same area as previous incidents in Haría, and in accordance with recommendations received from the Government of the Canary Islands, the preventive measure of a temporary closure of hunting activities in this municipality will remain in effect.”

“Once safety is assured and the closure is lifted, an extraordinary Insular Hunting Council will be convened to assess the possibility of extending hunting days.”