Friday March 29th, 2024
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Egyptian Woman Poisoned after Trying to Save Stray Dogs from Poison

The highly toxic, colourless alkaloid Strychnine is mainly used to kill small animals.

Staff Writer

Facebook has been blowing up with reports of a highly toxic poison being used to kill stray dogs in Egypt. Strychnine is a highly toxic colourless pesticide used mainly for killing small birds and rodents and is known to cause severe muscle convulsions and eventually death when inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the eyes or mouth. Several recent reports indicate that Egyptian municipalities have been using Strychnine to kill stray dogs and even cats around Cairo, according to Daily News Egypt.

The use of the poison to kill animals has garnered widespread attention after a video was posted on Facebook showing an Egyptian woman allegedly poisoned with Strychnine after trying to protect the animals and stop their slaughter. The video shows the woman in uncontrollable convulsions and unable to breathe, both common effects of the poison as it affects the central nervous system. 

Animal rights activist Dina Zulfikar has been sharing updates on the woman's health, her condition, and subsequent recovery on her Facebook page, as well as raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of Strychnine poisoning. If you are concerned that someone may have been exposed to Strychnine, look out for the following symptoms:

  • Agitation
  • Apprehension or fear
  • Tendency to be easily startled
  • Restlessness
  • Painful muscle spasms possibly leading to fever and to kidney and liver injury
  • Uncontrollable arching of the neck and back
  • Rigid arms and legs
  • Jaw tightness
  • Muscle pain and soreness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dark urine
  • Initial consciousness and awareness of symptoms