Dog poisonings linked to crime
UPPER Highway area pet owners were urged to be extra cautious after numerous incidents of dogs being poisoned were reported.
According to the SA Community Crime Watch most of the cases that have been reported to them were linked to criminal activities.
Steven King, of SA Community Crime, said the poisoning of dogs as a precursor to further crimes such as burglary, robbery and rape was extremely common. He said the most common poisons used were organophosphates and carbamate (Aldicarb, Temik, also known as twostep). Rat poison is another commonly used option.
Most of the recent cases were in Gillitts and Hillcrest up to Botha’s Hill. King said although the incidents were reported mostly in the Upper Highway area, there were chances that it could spread to other areas. In Botha’s Hill, three dogs suffered organophosphate poisoning. King said: “This is when toxic levels of carbofuran can cause seizures and respiratory arrest in the dog.
“It is a traumatic situation for the owners to see animals killed in that way. Some of them might be not aware that the dogs have been poisoned, therefore it is advisable to check constantly.” he added.
He said residents need to be extra careful because the poison was fast-acting (except some of the anticoagulants) and deadly, even if a dog only ingested a small amount.
Hillcrest resident Vicky Martins’ dog died two weeks ago after a short illness. She said she was told at the veterinary clinic her dog was poisoned.
Another person whose dog was affected was George White of Botha’s Hill. His dog had been poisoned, but survived after he rushed it the to the clinic.
“The best would be to keep your dogs in at night,” he said.