On Saturday, 19 October an awareness campaign about a banned, toxic substance known as Aldicarb was launched at Rank 5 in Roodepoort North. This dangerous and toxic substance has been identified as the cause of 800 dog poisonings per week throughout Johannesburg. It goes by many names: Aldicarb, Temik, Galipirimi, and most commonly, Two Step.
Two Step is a substance that is usually sold at taxi ranks and was initially used as rat poison. This substance is illegal to use and distribute, but people are not shy about selling it.
It is used for a terrifying number of dog poisonings, and people have begun using it for suicide and murder. The substance is so toxic that you cannot even touch an animal that has ingested the poison or you will die as well.
The poison acquired the name Two Step because of the extreme speed with which it causes death – two steps and you are dead.
Children and adults have also been accidentally ingesting it, and it is sadly not a peaceful death. Convulsions, swelling, nausea, difficulty breathing, bleeding, and frothing at the mouth are key symptoms before death occurs within minutes. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to save an animal that has ingested Two Step, and it is extremely difficult to save humans.
The extremely dangerous nature of this poison is the reason for the launch of the awareness campaign. MMCs Michael Sun and Mpho Phalatse, councillors Gert Niemand and Caleb Finn, and members of the JMPD were at this launch, not only to educate residents on the danger of the substance but also to show how easy it is to acquire it.
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Sun and Phalatse went to the marketplace at the taxi rank and had no difficulty purchasing the substance, which was lying openly on the tables. Not only are the sellers neglecting to be discreet about the selling of the substance, it is also openly available and displayed within the reach of children.
Pamphlets were handed out and speeches were given detailing the dangers of the substance and the criminal offences associated with it. It is a criminal offence to buy, sell, give away, or be in the possession of Two Step. It is also illegal to sell any unlabelled chemical products.
Any person who takes part in any of these offences will be liable on conviction to a fine, or imprisonment, or both.
In case of poisoning, follow these six steps:
•Do not drink milk
•Rush the person to the nearest hospital/ take the animal to the nearest vet
•Call the Griffon Poison Centre on 082 446 8946
•Do not induce vomiting as it may lead to death
•Keep the person calm and close their eyes
•Any poison found close by or in food or vomit must be handled with gloves and put into a sealed container – do not touch with bare hands – and kept for the doctor
The only way to guarantee the safety of your pet is to keep it indoors at night. In the morning, walk through the garden with your pet on a leash and sweep for poisoned bait. If interest is shown in a specific spot take your pet back inside and conduct a thorough search of the area for meat or baited food. Make sure you know the contact numbers for emergency vets in your area and if you suspect that your pet is being poisoned, get help as soon as possible.
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Activated charcoal may be helpful in the short-term, but cannot be substituted for medical treatment from a vet. Medical Care packages from various Neighbourhood Watch groups do not stop the effect of the poison, they only slow it down and make the symptoms more manageable until a vet can be reached.
Who should you contact in case of poisoning?
• Central Environmental Health Office – 011 407 6545
• Emergency Management Services (EMS) – 011 375 5911/ 10177 or 122 from a cellphone
• South African Police Services – 10111/ 012 393 1000
• Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) – 011 375 5911
• SPCA Roodepoort/ Florida – 011 672 0448
• Tip-offs Anonymous – 0800 002 587 or SMS 32840
