The city of **Zapala**, located in the center of **Neuquén**, is going through a serious situation after the **death** of more than a dozen of **dogs and cats due to poisoning**.
This event has caused deep concern among the residents, leading to the involvement of **municipal authorities, local prosecutors, and the police**, who have started an investigation to **identify those responsible for leaving food laced with toxic substances in public spaces**.
## Baits with dangerous chemicals: a threat to animals and people
The Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development of Zapala, **Juan Pablo Young**, confirmed that the **baits found contained a toxin compatible with organophosphates**, according to the analysis carried out on the remains and deceased animals.
“This could only be the work of a cruel and sick person,” expressed the official, who also mentioned that **the number of dead animals could exceed 20**. “There is nothing that justifies such cruelty,” he added.
##Ongoing Investigation: between justice and citizen collaboration
The prosecutor **Marcelo Jofré**, in charge of the case, reported that **the first official report was received on July 16**, and since then, **between ten and fifteen cases of poisoning have been confirmed**. Although social media mentions up to **50 affected animals**, the prosecution handles a lower but equally **worrisome number**.
“The investigation is ongoing,” stated Jofré, explaining that the main goal is to identify those responsible for these **acts of animal cruelty**. He also warned about the **public health risks** involved in using chemical substances in open spaces.
##Affected areas and types of baits used
According to Young, the incidents were mainly reported between Elías Sapag Street and the surroundings of the Army, where **meat or fatty products were found as baits**.
The official urged residents to **collaborate with the authorities** and **report immediately if they spot suspicious remains in public spaces**, in order to **provide evidence for the judicial case**.
Amidst widespread concern and rumors circulating on social media, Young clarified that **no creature is hospitalized** due to contact with intoxicated animals, refuting alarming versions.
##Dog Poisoning in the City of Buenos Aires
Concern over the poisoning of animals is not limited to Zapala. In recent days, **residents of Belgrano and Las Cañitas**, in the area of the **Polo Field**, reported the **death of at least three dogs** after ingesting suspicious products on the street.
In response to these reports, **the justice system and the Buenos Aires Government** have taken action to **investigate the incidents and find those responsible**.
##Animal cruelty and public health: an issue demanding urgent responses
The recurrence of **similar massacres in Zapala in previous years**, along with the new cases, reinforces the need to **clarify the events and prevent future attacks**.
The use of **toxic substances in public spaces** not only poses a threat to animals but also to **children, the elderly, and anyone passing through the area**.
