Anguish for Dundee pet owners after spate of poisonings
It has been suggested that the poisonings could be 'secondary cases' after a the winter veld fires saw rats taking cover in residential areas.
A spate of pet poisonings in upper Dundee in the Yule Street/El Sol area has caused anguish among animal lovers.
One woman described her heartache after discovering her beloved cat dead on the street outside the El Sol complex where she lives.
It is understood that other pets have also succumbed to incidents of poisoning in that area and around the Berea near the hospital.
The dry veld around the El Sol complex was recently set on fire and it is thought that rodents – including rats and mice – fled the field and could have found their way onto adjacent residential properties.
In a bid to ward off the rodents, homeowners may have put out Rattex and other poison.
“What we have seen is probably cases of secondary poisonings. The rats die and are then eaten by cats who also die. Owls and African Harrier Hawks, which were prevalent, are also now scarce. These too would have preyed on the dead rodents and succumbed,” said one homeowner.
She suggested that those wanting to ward off rodents should rather use more natural methods than poison.
“Using mint helps as the rodents do not like the pungent odour. Spread a few sprigs of mint around your garden or garden to keep them out. One can also use garlic, Cayenne pepper, vinegar or Citronella and these too will keep at bay rats and mice while preventing secondary poisonings and the death of much-loved pets.”
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