Buenos Aires municipality cracks down on illegal dog hunting, seizes greyhounds

The municipality of San Antonio de Areco, located in Argentina's Buenos Aires province, is taking a firm stance against illegal dog hunting, particularly involving greyhounds. This unprecedented move in the province aims to curb persistent issues of private property invasion, animal mistreatment, and the strain on rural police resources.

Following extensive discussions among rural producers, municipal authorities, the Rural Patrol, and provincial security officials, the municipality has begun enforcing stricter controls. These measures include the seizure of dogs used in hunting activities and the development of a new ordinance designed to permanently discourage this practice. Producers have long complained about hunters, often from neighboring towns, entering their properties with greyhounds, leading to conflicts and the misuse of law enforcement.

Estanislao Campos, president of the Regional Association of Agricultural Producers (ARPA), explained that the issue has been a recurring problem for years. He noted that the illegal entries, primarily occurring on weekends, frequently required the mobilization of the Rural Patrol. "We realized we were spending all the patrol's fuel that could be used for something more important, like a robbery, an assault, or getting someone out of the field on a rainy day," Campos stated, highlighting the diversion of resources.

The situation had turned the district into a frequent destination for hunters from nearby areas such as Baradero, Zárate, San Andrés de Giles, and Capitán Sarmiento. Campos described their area as "the hunting ground of the region." The producers and local authorities presented their case to the provincial government, emphasizing violations of private property, lack of animal health controls, and the security risks associated with unknown individuals repeatedly entering rural establishments.

Campos also expressed concern that these hunters gain intimate knowledge of the fields and the routines of those who work on them. The collaboration with provincial authorities is expected to lead to new tools and strategies to effectively combat this illegal activity and protect rural properties and their inhabitants.