Eleven dogs have been poisoned in a matter of two days, leaving Witpoortjie residents shaken and concerned.
A message that was circulated on various WhatsApp groups called for residents to be vigilant, as 10 poisonings occurred during the evening of 20 August. The incidents took place in Leerdam Street, Culemborg Street and Waveren Street. Another dog was poisoned in Vermooten Street the following night, 21 August.
The message also requested that residents should take extra precautions as this is almost always followed by either a house-breaking or a robbery.
Sergeant Juliet Mogale, the Communication Officer at Roodepoort Police Station, confirmed the incidents, and said, “We are urging the community to come to the police station and open cases when poisonings occur, in order for us to determine the hot spots for this offence. It will also help us to avoid house-breakings and house robberies which may occur as a result of these incidents.”
Mandy Cattanach, the manager at the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA said that Witpoortjie has always been a problem area with regard to dog poisonings and dogs being stolen. “The poisoning of dogs often occurs with malicious intent, as criminals do this to enable them to gain entry to your property undisturbed,” she said.
She added that criminals hide poisons, such as organophosphates or carbamates (2-Step or Temik) in food such as sausages, viennas and meat which is thrown over your boundary wall.
“Once the dog eats the poisoned food, it will become extremely sick and may die very quickly,” Cattanach said.
Symptoms of poisoning include:
• Vomiting (Look for black granules or other unusual content in the vomit. Do not touch without gloves!)
• Drooling/ salivation (You may see foam in/ around the mouth)
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle tremors/ shaking
• Constricted pupils
• Diarrhoea
• Urination
• Seizures
• Death
She advised pet owners that suspect that their dogs have been poisoned to take them to a veterinarian immediately, as it is an emergency. “You should always check your property for more poison to protect your other animals, and ensure that your family and home is safe. Be on the lookout for criminals entering your property after a poisoning attempt,” Cattanach concluded.
Should you want to report an incident of dog poisoning, contact the Roodepoort Police Station on 011 279 6400 or 082 498 9464.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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