Teen issues warning after pet food found laced with anti-freeze
Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) said the destruction of birds of prey is “undoubtedly an under-reported crime that proliferates well away from the public view”.
A spokesperson said: “Poisons and traps are indiscriminate and this charity has, on many occasions, seen companion animals and other unintentional victims endure terminal suffering.
“Like all wildlife crime, the agencies responsible for investigation and prosecution rely on receiving reports of concern to trigger investigations.
“The USPCA is fully committed through its membership of PAW to support the PSNI in their efforts to bring those responsible for the destruction of these magnificent creatures to justice.”
The latest figures also show that overall, 57 birds of prey were killed illegally in Northern Ireland during the last eight years.
There were 49 cases of suspected wildlife crime involving birds of prey reported to the PSNI in 2015 and 2016.
In some of these cases the birds were found to have died of natural causes and others were in a state of such advanced decomposition it was impossible to come to any conclusions.
However, 20 birds tested positive for the consumption of rat poison laid out by landowners.
Superintendent Brian Kee, PSNI service lead for rural and wildlife crime, added: “Wildlife crime, including the illegal killing/ poisoning of birds of prey, is taken extremely seriously by police.
“It isn’t acceptable for birds of prey or any other wildlife to be killed in this way.
“These actions are illegal and the use of toxic poisons is indiscriminate as they put children, pets and livestock at risk too.”
Campaign: Gareth Wright
❝ It isn’t acceptable for birds or any other wildlife to be killed in this way. These actions are illegal
A BELFAST teenager has warned dog owners of a “lunatic” who might be deliberately trying to poison animals along a popular walkway.
The Comber Greenway is a well-used route for both dog walkers and cyclists — but Gareth Wright (17) is advising animal lovers to be cautious after pet food was found laced with anti-freeze close to the PSNI headquarters at Knock.
If a dog or a cat was to ingest this substance it could prove fatal. Once consumed, they may begin to show signs of dehydration, vomiting and appear to walk drunkenly.
Pet owners are advised to take animals suspected of having consumed anti-freeze to a vet immediately.
If left untreated, it can result in seizures, kidney failure and eventually death.
Although no pet deaths have been reported as a result of the food being left, one dog has already been taken ill and had to receive veterinary treatment two weeks ago.
Its food was later found to be laced with anti-freeze.
A second suspicious pile of pet feed has now been discovered at the side of the walkway.
Although this latest batch has not been proven to be poisoned yet, it was left in “identical” circumstances to the previous find.
Gareth said: “Sadly, one dog has already been very badly sick due to consuming this.
“Very sad that some lunatic is doing this. Please keep dogs on leads.”
Gareth promised he would keep the Comber Greenway Campaign Facebook page updated with any more information that comes his way.
He added: “This can be fatal if consumed by your pet.
“Although it hasn’t been confirmed, I just had to warn the public. I wasn’t taking any risks this time.
“If anybody does find any of this dog food I would recommend for them to call the PSNI then contact me through the Facebook group so I can post it on the page to warn people.”