Animal poisoning trend concerns SPCA

Benoni is experiencing a spike in animal poisonings, with 13 cases being reported to the Benoni SPCA in one week.

According to Shiven Bodasing, inspector at the society, there have been more cases of animal poisoning reported in the past two weeks than in the previous three months.

“It seems the poisonings are more malicious than having a reason,” Bodasing said.

“Whereas aggressive dogs are usually poisoned in order to facilitate a break-in, the poisonings are now targeting all kinds of dogs and even cats.

“They mostly use ‘two-step’, which works within an hour of consumption and is fatal 90 per cent of the time.”

Bodasing said reports of poisonings have come in from Daveyton, Etwatwa, Farrarmere, Crystal Park and Lakefield in the past few weeks.

“Sometimes the aggressors put needles and other material in the meat, which destroys the animal’s intestines when ingested,” the inspector added.

The police were contacted but had no additional information at the time of publishing.

Members of the public are encouraged to report cases of animal poisoning to the police by calling their local station or the emergency number, 10111.

On their Facebook page, the Benoni SPCA suggested pet owners not leave their animals outside at night.

“Try escorted pee breaks before bedtime,” the page stated.

“Check your premises daily for strange food objects – if you suspect anything, get your animal to a vet immediately.”

The page also listed some symptoms of animals being poisoned:

• Dilated pupils

• Excessive twitching of the skin

• Animal may appear disorientated and confused

• Vomiting, sometimes with blood and/or slime

• Abnormal amounts of saliva/drooling

• Excessively runny nose

• Difficulty breathing

• Restlessness

• Weakness and lethargy

• Anxiety and nervousness

• Convulsions

• Seizures

• Abnormal holding of posture

• Diarrhoea

• Partial or temporary loss of movement can occur

• Unconsciousness.