Eight dogs poisoned in Winchester Hills
Please keep your dogs inside during the night and check your garden for poison before you let your dogs out.
OVER the weekend of October 26 and 27, eight dogs died after being poisoned in two townhouse complexes in Swartgoud Street, Winchester Hills.
Sector 2 Crime Forum Mondeor SAPS area advises a case must be opened with SAPS should your dog be one of those poisoned. Please keep your dogs inside during the night and check your garden for poison before you let your dogs out.
It’s also advised you purchase crushed charcoal packs from your local vet, in case your dog may be poisoned.
“Residents need to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious-looking individuals or vehicles seen in the area to either Fidelity ADT or the SAPS.
“Usually, we see a spate of house robberies following incidents of dog poisonings so we all need to work together to ensure these properties are secure.
“Where possible, residents should keep their pets indoors at night as this prevents them scouring the yard for foreign food matter,” said Linda Goodenough, community development manager for Fidelity ADT.
Fidelity approached Dr Hannekom at Onderstepoort Academic Hospital to provide homeowners with the following advice if they believe their pet may have been poisoned.
He said: “If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, please take them to the vet immediately. Owners try to treat animals themselves, but it is always better to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
“Signs will vary depending on the type of poison swallowed. They can be as mild as lethargy, malaise, and weakness to gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and nausea. More severe signs can include agitation, twitching, seizures, or even a coma.
“If your pet has started vomiting, gather a sample of it in a plastic bag and take it with you to your vet immediately. It may be used for testing and analysis.
“Never induce vomiting without consulting your vet. Try to stay calm and move your dog to a safe area. Check your dog is breathing and if not, you may need to perform CPR, before taking the dog to the vet.
“If your dog begins to convulse, also move them to a safe area where they won’t cause injury to themselves.
“Aldicarb, also known as two-step/Temik, is the commonly used poison. It looks like little black poppy seeds and is granular in appearance. It is highly toxic. Do not touch it with your bare hands – wear gloves when removing the poison from your property. Criminals usually hide it in meat so that dogs consume it.”
Goodenough said: “The bottom line is you need to get your pet to a veterinary specialist as soon as possible in the event of any possible poisoning. It is vital any incidents of dog poisonings are reported to the SAPS immediately.
“All poison cases must be reported to the local Mondeor SAPS with a request for them to investigate the case and remove any suspected poison residue/bait from your property. A poisoning incident is a crime and should therefore always be reported.”
Capt N Dube, Mondeor communications officer, was asked for comment. At the time of going to press nothing had been received.
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