ATTEMPT MADE TO POISON DOGS
NORTHERN Gold Coast pet owners are being warned to look out for strange food in their yards after cocktail frankfurts laced with poison were found in a family yard.
Dennis Brown, 40, found the pieces of sausage in his yard near the fence line at 5am on Sunday.
The father of three said he was lucky to find the food before his two dogs.
“I was shocked when I had a close look at the food and saw what looked like slug or snail poison,” the Ormeau man said. “I got home at 5am (last Sunday). There was some at the roller door and next to the bins, which is right where the fence line is.
“It’s like they’ve thrown them from the road.”
Mr Brown said he had no idea why anyone would want to kill his pets — a Labrador and a Maltese Shitzhu — who have lived at the Boree Court address since he and his family moved in four years ago.
Police have confirmed they are investigating the baited frankfurts and are appealing for witnesses.
Other northern Gold Coaster have taken to Facebook community pages to warn about baiting.
One Upper Coomera woman claims her dog was killed after a baiting incident, while a Pimpama woman contacted police after finding a strange substance in her animal’s water bowl.
RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said frankfurts were a common way for dogbaiters to disgiuse poison.
“Pet owners need to be vigilant. Dog poisoning is an increasing problem throughout the state. The last incident reported to the RSPCA was in Tallebudgera a few months ago,” he said.
“Owners can either report to police or to the RSPCA. The maximum penalty for poisoning an animal is a $220,000 fine or three years in prison.”
Mr Beatty said barking was often the cause of frustration for people who took matters into their own hands.
“Dogs are part of the family … that type of bait, dogs die a horrible bloody death.
“It’s not just they’re dead in two or three minutes, it can take them hours to die.
“The RSPCA encourages people who have an issue with their neighbour’s dog barking to talk to them and let them know. There are methods owners can use to stop dogs barking, such as enrichment toys, training, or even shifting them from the front yard to the back.”
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman confirmed officers were investigating Brown matter.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on Policelink 131 444 or the RSPCA animal cruelty line 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).