Dog poisoning in Sky Street shock community
Residents in the street woke up to find their beloved pets lying dead and fatally ill on the grass in front of their homes.
The atmosphere in Sky Street is sombre as several residents are mourning the loss of their beloved pets due to poisoning.
On July 22, residents in the street woke up to find their beloved pets lying dead and fatally ill on the grass in front of their homes.
Several were rushed to the Boksburg SPCA for assistance but unfortunately, the animals could not be saved.
The Boksburg Advertiser visited the street on July 25 following the poisoning that happened.
Residents told the Boksburg Advertiser that about six dogs and two cats were poisoned.
One of the dogs who was suspected poisoned survived.
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During the publication’s visit, community members pointed out that birds also died from the poison.
While the community is still speculating what motive behind poisoning the animals is, they suspect it is criminals who are after a copper cable from meters outside the houses.
Hennie and Ona Niemand are part of the heartbroken residents whose animals were killed.
Their nine-month-old boerboel, Storm, died from being poisoned.
“We are devastated as our dogs are our children,” said Hennie.
Hennie said that Storm stays outside during the day, but sleeps inside the house.
“We dropped off our children at school on the fateful morning, and when we came back we noticed that Storm was sick,” said Hennie.
Hennie added they don’t believe it’s worth it to open a case at the police station.
Another resident, Charles Swemmer, lost two cats, Boudjies and Snoekie, and two cross-dachshund dogs, Weiland and Rocky.
“At about 07:00, I saw Rocky died in our front yard. We then noticed our other animals were also sick and rushed them to the SPCA. Unfortunately, it was too late and there was nothing they could do for them,” said Swemmer.
Carmen Abraham’s dog, a one-year-old cross-Jack Rusell named Rusty, is also one of the victims.
“My children and grandchildren are not taking it very well. Rusty was an active and alert dog. He also didn’t want to sleep inside,” said Abrahams.
Another resident, Aletta Weber, lost two of her cross-breed dogs, Jerry (1) and Milo (4).
“I’m extremely sad about what happened,” said Weber.
Meanwhile, Megan Jansen believes that her one-year-old cross-breed, Paton, was also poisoned but survived.
“She was sick, but I gave her medication just in time and she survived.”
Boksburg SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore said one of their inspectorates went out and checked on the remaining animals in Sky Street.
“This incident was an emotional shock to our staff. The Boksburg SPCA sterilised most of the animals in Sky Street just under a year ago with our outreach programme. We knew these animals and worked hard to ensure their welfare.
“Criminals poison dogs to silence and avoid them when breaking into properties. The animals suffer an excruciating, painful death within minutes. Home remedies will not cure the symptoms of poisoning and animals must be rushed for emergency treatment with a qualified veterinarian. Contact your local SPCA for the list of after-hour vets in your area,” said Finnemore.
The manager said it is the owner’s responsibility to report dog poisoning to the police, and they did advise them to do so.
Finnemore said the dogs were killed with two steps.
“It’s a pesticide that farmers use to kill insects and is available to anybody who makes an effort to buy it. Finnemore said this is concerning as anything, including toddlers, can consume it.”
The manager provided tips for preventing animals from being poisoned:
• Keep your animals indoors or at the back of the property at night.
• Be vigilant of barking dogs late at night. They may be barking for a reason.
• Look out for strange markings on your driveway, fence, wall, post box etc. An unusual marking or object that shouldn’t be there, may mean your house has been targeted.
• Check your property in the morning before letting your animals out.
Boksburg SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Ntsako Ledwaba said no case regarding dog poisoning was opened by the police.
Also Read: Police surprise Sky Street residents
