Minister Hansen provides more details on the death of one of the dog boarding dogs

New information is available on the cause of death of one of five dogs who died after their stay at a dog boarding facility in Käerjeng. “The post-mortem examination revealed a hemorrhagic phenomenon with severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage and significant dehydration,” said Minister of Agriculture Martine Hansen (CSV) in a response to a parliamentary question from MP Stéphanie Weydert (CSV).

A toxicological analysis revealed traces of anticoagulants, i.e. drugs that slow blood clotting, in the dog’s liver. Such anticoagulant substances are present in rat and mouse venom. The prosecution had already indicated in a press release on Tuesday that the death of the animal was mainly due to the ingestion of a substance resembling rat poison.

A bacteria present in the dog’s spleen

“Exposure to such a substance at a non-lethal dose can cause hemorrhages, which leads to general weakness of the body and promotes secondary infection,” explains the minister. “The microbiological analysis revealed the presence of a bacteria in the dog’s spleen.”

Ultimately, the dog’s death was due to several factors. “The weakening of the body due to the absorption of anticoagulants and dehydration gave the bacteria the opportunity to invade the body and fatally contribute to the disease process,” continues Martine Hansen.

Controls are strengthened

Stéphanie Weydert also wants to know what the minister plans to change in existing legislation so that such an incident in an animal boarding facility does not happen again in the future. Martine Hansen points out that, according to the animal protection law, any animal boarding facility must obtain authorization and that the establishment is inspected before it opens. This was not the case in Käerjeng.

“We must be aware that the best animal protection law cannot prevent all incidents,” adds the minister. “People must be aware of their responsibility in the field in which they work, in this case with animals.” Martine Hansen points out that animal welfare checks are carried out almost daily throughout the year. “These controls have been and will always be strengthened wherever possible, especially with regard to available resources and manpower,” concludes the minister.

This article was originally published on the Luxemburger Wort website.

Adaptation: Mélodie Mouzon