In the Bonifatiuspark in the north of Frankfurt, dogs are not only tolerated, but expressly desired.

"Free run allowed" is written on a sign in a specially designated area, a pictogram shows a dog owner throwing a stick to fetch.

Matthew Trautsch

Coordination report Rhein-Main.

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Nevertheless, the park in the young district of Riedberg has become the scene of a nightmare for animal lovers: more than ten dogs were poisoned in a single morning, and at least seven died within a few hours.

The Hessian State Criminal Police Office examines the seized bait.

So far, there has been no indication of the perpetrators

Burning candles, flowers and photos on the meadow in Bonifatiuspark remind us of Buddy, Blacky and the other dogs that were killed.

Signs with the warning "Warning poisoned baits" also bear witness to what happened on Friday morning and has since been a topic of conversation in the district and beyond.

According to the police, between 5 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. at least eleven dogs who were on a morning walk in the park with their masters or mistresses ate the poisoned bait.

Owners report that their dog began to writhe shortly thereafter, drank an unnatural amount, and foam formed on the mouth.

Upon arrival at the local veterinary practice, there were already several dogs with similar symptoms.

Apparently the bait had been prepared like kibble and placed under benches in the park.

Initial reports that heroin and amphetamine were found in the bait could not be verified.

According to the police, it will take several more days for the investigation to be completed.

A spokesman said there were no indications of the perpetrators.

Witnesses are asked to come forward.

The animal protection organizations PETA and Tasso have each offered 1,000 euros for information that convicts the perpetrator, and several thousand euros have also been raised through a fundraiser by affected dog owners.

It happens time and again that dogs are killed with food laid out – but the number of animals poisoned in one place and then dying is extraordinary, as the investigators confirm.

Apparently, the poison contained in the bait is so strong that even adult, larger dogs such as Golden Retrievers or Portuguese Water Dogs cannot survive it.

It also acts quickly, leaving little time for veterinarians to recommend that a dog with symptoms of poisoning be vomited quickly.

In the district of Kalbach-Riedberg, the assumption is circulating that the poison attack is related to the dispute about relocating the dog run area in Bonifatiuspark.

Until recently, this had been located next to the subway tracks and had then been relocated.

This was met with opposition from local residents;

the proposal to fence in the dog park was also controversial.

In the social networks, residents of the district and dog lovers are shocked and sad, but there are also voices calling for vigilantism.

The police are patrolling the park, no other bait was discovered.