Warning for pet owners – Dog Poisoning
All the dogs I have treated were poisoned with a substance called ‘two step’. The poison was given that name because a dog is expected to die before it takes two steps after ingesting it.
A local veterinarian is concerned about dog poisoning.
Dr Larry Kraitzck, a Bruma Lake veterinarian, said he has treated more than eight dogs for poisoning recently.
“All the dogs I have treated were poisoned with a substance called ‘two step’. The poison was given that name because a dog is expected to die before it takes two steps after ingesting it. In reality, the animal dies after about 20 minutes of agony and pain. The poison is an alidicarb, a carbonate and deadly neurotoxin, which is actually an agricultural insecticide,” he said.
Dr Kraitzck said the symptoms of the dog that has consumed the poison includes salivation, vomiting, struggling to breathe, seizures, spasms and weakness.
He added that the poison is more dangerous because it does not have a taste or a smell and is easily accessible.
“It is sold cheaply at many intersections and is odourless and tasteless. This is not easy for the dog to notice or suspect anything in the food. Those who do this, serve the poison with food that appeals to dogs. But the owners can see it because it is a black powder with black granules,” said Dr Kraitzck.
He said the poison is sometimes sold as something to kill rats and mice.
He urged dog owners to be careful when dealing with poisoned dogs.
“It is advisable to use gloves when cleaning or taking the dog to the vet. This poison can be absorbed through the skin. Avoid getting in contact with the animal’s blood, saliva, vomitus or any secretions from the suspected poisoned dog,” he said.
He added that he cannot say if the reason behind dog poisoning is crime.
“There are instances where a property was attacked and the dogs were poisoned few days after. Some dogs die first and then there is an attempted house robbery,” he said.
He urged owners to keep their dogs indoors at night.
“If the dog is indoors, you can protect it and it can protect you. When the dog hears something outside, it will bark and wake you up. But if the dog is outside, criminals can either poison the animal or open the gate and scare the animal away. It is safer and more useful when the dog is indoors,” said Dr Kraitzck.
The Cleveland SAPS communications officer, Constable Mpho Mashakane, said there are no records of dog poisoning cases being reported at the Cleveland SAPS yet.
“We urge the community to report these kinds of incidents. Our investigations can determine if there is a new trend of crime in our area, so that we can take the necessary steps to deal with it,” she said.
The Bedfordview SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, said the poisoning of dogs is often followed with a home invasion.
“We have not received any complaints about these kinds of incidents but if people experience it, they should report it to the police. This is a criminal act and it needs to be investigated, even if there is no home invasion, there is often a crime which follows the poisoning,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
