In recent years, Madrid has seen a sharp rise in cases where dogs accidentally suffer drug poisoning after eating human feces left in parks and on the streets. This issue affects not only pet owners but also raises concerns about the city’s sanitation, the safety of public spaces, and the consequences of widespread psychoactive substance use among the population. Veterinary clinics are reporting a worrying trend: every week they see animals with similar symptoms, and nighttime and weekends have become particularly hazardous for four-legged walkers.
Madrid’s veterinary services note that such incidents most often occur after evening walks, when dogs are off-leash during permitted hours. Their curiosity and keen sense of smell make them vulnerable: they easily find and consume waste left on the ground, unaware of the danger. As a result, pets return home showing signs of severe poisoning—unsteady gait, convulsions, and disorientation. In some cases, the outcome proves fatal or leads to serious injury.
In one recent case, a dog named Balkis, walking along the Madrid Rio promenade, suddenly disappeared into the bushes and returned with a distinct smell. Within a couple of hours, the animal began to have seizures and lost coordination. Veterinarians diagnosed acute poisoning from an unknown psychoactive substance that entered the body through feces. Such cases have become so frequent that clinics now use a special designation for these patients.
Rise in cases
According to experts, the number of such poisonings has multiplied in recent years. While these incidents were once rare, they have now become almost routine for on-duty veterinarians. Reports peak especially after weekends, when more traces of nighttime gatherings remain in parks and squares. Doctors note that most of the affected animals are dogs that were off-leash during nighttime walks.
In some cases, owners have even learned to distinguish human feces by smell to prevent trouble in time. However, it is impossible to fully protect pets: city parks and streets are overwhelmed with waste, and the number of public toilets remains extremely low. As a result, dogs increasingly encounter dangerous discoveries, the consequences of which can be unpredictable.
Veterinarians use standard treatments: gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal, and medications to speed up toxin elimination. However, tests for specific substances are expensive, and not all owners can afford such diagnostics. In most cases, animals recover within a day, but sometimes the consequences are irreversible.
Causes and consequences
Experts link the rise in such cases to increased drug and alcohol consumption in the capital. According to international organizations, Spain ranks among the leaders in per capita consumption of psychoactive substances. As nightlife becomes more expensive and restricted, many choose to spend time outdoors, holding impromptu parties in parks and squares. The lack of sufficient public restrooms forces people to seek alternatives, leading to pollution of urban spaces.
As a result, not only residents but also their pets suffer. Dogs, with their keen sense of smell and curiosity, often become unwitting victims of others’ habits. Some owners have to change their walking routes, keep their pets on a short leash, and be especially vigilant after dark. However, it is impossible to fully eliminate the risk until the issue is addressed on a city-wide level.
In some cases, the consequences are tragic. For example, one of the dogs developed severe complications after repeated poisoning, which required surgery. Veterinarians warn: even a single exposure to narcotic substances can lead to irreversible health consequences for the animal.
Urban Environment
The situation is worsened by the fact that Madrid, with its three million residents, has only about 130 public toilets. This forces people to use parks and squares for unintended purposes, especially during large public events. As a result, urban spaces become dangerous not only for animals but also for residents themselves. Authorities acknowledge the problem, but so far have not offered effective solutions.
Veterinary clinics continue to report new cases every week. Dog owners share their experiences and advice on social media, discussing how to protect their pets from dangerous finds. Some have even contacted city services, requesting more street cleaners and additional public toilets. However, the situation remains tense, and the number of affected animals is growing.
In recent months, similar incidents have been reported in other Spanish cities. In Barcelona and Valencia, veterinarians have noted cases of dog poisoning after walks in popular parks. In some instances, the animals ended up in intensive care, and owners faced significant treatment expenses. The issue is becoming increasingly urgent for the country’s major cities, where widespread use of psychoactive substances and a lack of infrastructure create dangerous conditions for all urban residents.
