SPCA issues pet poisoning alert

The SPCA is warning residents to be cautious as the poisoning of dogs seems to be on the rise yet again.

The manager at the Randfontein SPCA, René van Straten, stated that many of these poisoning cases are related to criminal activities. She also confirmed that these poisonings are not only related to a specific area, but rather any area such as rural, township, and residential areas.

Van Straten further claimed that rat poison is predominantly used yet other types of poison are also being given.

To prevent a pet from being poisoned, van Straten stated that pet owners should allow their animals to sleep inside the house or keep pets in a yard that cannot be easily reached by criminals.

If a pet has been poisoned, she expressed that the owners should not try to medicate the animal by themselves.

The most important option would be to get the animal to the vet as soon as possible. The owner can give substances to the pet to make it throw up the poison while waiting to see the vet. Even if the animal has thrown up and it seems to be okay, Van Straten emphasised that the animal should still be taken to the nearest vet to avoid further harm.

According to Van Straten, when dealing with a poisoning case, the SPCA refers to the vet for medical assistance where after they open a criminal case with the police.

“Keep your pets safe. Dogs are not a security company and therefore it is your job to keep them away from harm,” Van Straten said.