An ecological group criticises the vanishing of the dog team in Tenerife assigned to identifying toxins in protected areas


Jonay Jesús Cubas Díaz, the spokesperson for the Association for Biodiversity Conservation in the Canary Islands, forwarded a formal request to the Tenerife Cabildo last Thursday seeking details on the services rendered since November 2022 by the specialised dog team tasked with identifying poisons and animals affected by harmful substances in the island’s protected areas. This initiative aims to prevent further casualties among birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. Cubas also demands an explanation for the sidelining of the two Belgian shepherds introduced during that time, which were subsequently decommissioned following a change in government in June 2023, as per sources consulted by Canarias Ahora.

This organisation, together with the Socialist Group, criticises the discontinuation of these dogs’ work against environmental crimes, such as the illicit use of toxins. They stress that this resource plays a crucial role in identifying poisons, animals affected by poisoning or accidents, and invasive exotic species, thereby aiding in the prevention and control of threats to biodiversity.

The information request is made under Law 27/2006 concerning the right to access information and documentation, adding to the efforts that the primary opposition group will undertake in the government oversight committee.

Inconsistency with a recent collective proposal

Conversely, the discontinuation of this dog unit contradicts the joint institutional motion encompassing all Cabildo groups (PSOE, CC, PP, and Vox) calling on the Ministry of the Interior to establish a National Police Force canine team in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Initially proposed by the co-governing parties (CC and PP), this motion eventually gained unanimous support with the aim of presenting a more united front to the central Government. According to the governing coalition, “Tenerife faces a unique criminal challenge due to its geographical attributes, one that could be better tackled with the presence of such a unit.”

Although these are distinct issues, this commitment, the dissolution of the former dog unit, and the Cabildo’s decision to limit vehicle access in areas like Teno, Anaga, or the Teide National Park, all in the interest of biodiversity and the preservation of these natural spaces, are at odds with each other.

Jama and Teno cost 15,000 euros in November 2022, with an additional annual expense of 30,000 euros from Gesplan for the hiring of their trainer and caretaker, who lived with them. Jama has since been returned to its original owners, while Teno is currently housed at the Tenerife Wildlife Recovery Centre.