Last week (1-4 September 2011) in the largest exhibition complex in Friesland (Leeuwarden WTC Expo) the European Dog Show 2011 was held for 4 days for nearly 11.000 dogs. It was a successful event on all levels, which subsequently was overshadowed by the tragic death of three Golden Retrievers on Saturday, September 3rd. and the realease of about 30 dogs in hot cars on Sunday, September 4th.
The three dead Golden Retrievers were in a van, with 8 other dogs (Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers and an Australian Shepherd). It is unclear at which location the three dogs are deceased exactly. In any case, it is clear that all 11 dogs and their companions were NOT at the WTC Expo parking- and showground on Saturday, September 3rd. The dogs and their supervisors were neither present at the club specialty for Golden Retrievers in Harich (Friesland).
There are stories that the dogs were poisoned. The organization of the FCI Centenary European Dog Show cannot confirm nor deny these stories, because the tragedy occurred beyond the boundaries and responsibility of the organization. According to the statement by the attending localy veterynary practice, where all the dogs were brought to on Saturday, September 3rd. around 7.00 p.m. from the parking lot of the Euro Hotel Leeuwarden (about 800 m. from the showground), poisoning is - clinically viewed - considered highly unlikely. At the veterinary practice one of the companions of the dogs declared that all 11 dogs were still in perfect condition a few hours before the tragedy.
According to reports received, all 11 dogs were locked up in a van without adequate ventilation at a temperature of at least 25 degrees Celsius and high humidity. Two of the deceased dogs were transferred from the veterinary practice for destruction. One dog is picked up Wednesday, September 7th. to perform autopsy in Austria.
Although the three deceased Golden Retrievers were not on the WTC Expo show- and parking areas on Saturday, the organization deplores the death of three dogs on Saturday and the precarious situation of around 30 dogs on Sunday. Despite al warnings and measures it still happens that participants and/or visitors leave their dog(s) too long in vehicles without checking, leaving the assumption that the temperature is not too bad.
September 8th, 2011
FCI Centenary European Dog Show
