Environmental experts on the British bases have registered four cases of dog and fox poisonings through poisoned baits in the Akrotiri and Episkopi area within the last three months.

The poisonings pose severe threats to wildlife, particularly to protected bird species, as they occurred in the Special Protection and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), the bases said.

Furthermore they could lead to secondary poisoning with species like Griffon vultures feeding on carcasses of other animals, the bases senior policy and enforcement officer Alexia Peridou explained.

According to Peridou, investigations of the placing of poisoned baits are underway and said they could be placed by livestock breeders in response to fox problems.

“However, it might also be related to rivalries among individuals illegally training dogs in the affected areas,” she said.

The training of hunting dogs is prohibited in the British bases. Offenders face fixed penalties of €300, possibly extending to €3,417 or up to two years of imprisonment upon conviction.

Toxicological examinations have been used to determine the poisonous substance. Meanwhile the anti-poison dog unit of the Game and Fauna Service patrol the affected areas.

Reports on the case can be submitted to the bases police via 1443 or anonymously via 9772 0883.