Although nowadays the intentional
poisoning of domestic and wild animals is a crime in EU, in the past the
poison was used in rural areas of a number of European countries to kill animals that were considered harmful for human activities. In Spain evidences indicate that intentional
poisonings continue to occur throughout the entire country nowadays. This situation seems to be of particular concern in the Canary Islands (Spain), where this study was performed. Our results confirmed that 225 animals were poisoned by pesticides over the study period (32 months; 2010-2013). The intentionality of the
poisoning was confirmed in 117 cases. It has to be highlighted that the other 108 animals also died by
pesticide poisoning, although the intentionality was only suspected. This incidence is currently the highest reported in any region from European Union. The pesticides
carbofuran,
bromadiolone,
brodifacoum and
aldicarb were the most frequently detected involved. Among the affected species, it has to be highlighted that endangered species are frequently affected in
poisoning incidents. Notably, chemicals banned in the EU (
carbofuran and
aldicarb) were identified in approximately 75% of cases, and in almost 100% of baits, which suggests that these pesticides are still available to the population. Several circumstances may explain these results. Firstly, little control over the sale and possession of
pesticide products, and the potential existence of an illegal market of pesticides banned in the European Union in the neighbouring African continent. In addition, the limited awareness of the population about the dangerousness of these compounds, for the environment, animals, or even people, make the situation very worrying in these islands. Stronger regulations, control of legal and illegal
pesticide use, development of educational programs and legal action in
poisoning incidents are needed to decrease the impact of
pesticide misuse on wildlife and domestic animals.