DOG guru, Mandy Barrett, a qualified canine ethologist, behaviourist and trainer warns dog owners of the worrying criminal trend of poisoning.
The most common poisons used in dog attacks appear to be either rat poisons/rodenticides or Albicarb, which is called Temik/Temic in South Africa and also sold under the name ‘Two Step’, on the street.
“This kind of poison is easily obtainable on the black market, despite strict controls being placed on its sale and use by the Department of Agriculture, as it is is commonly stolen from farmers (who use the pesticide widely on crops) and resold by street vendors as a rat poison and also obtained by criminals for malicious attacks on pets and dogs when planning a robbery,” said Barrett.
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She has been handling and training dogs for over 30 years and has worked for some time at a veterinarian. She witnessed the recovery of several dogs from Albicarb poisoning over the years, and sadly, several who died.
According to the dog guru, a Chinese generic was made and is also available and sold as Pilamic. Although the production of Albicarb has been stopped, there are stockpiles of the product still available and similar products on the market, which act in the same way.
The poison is specially made to taste bitter to humans, but dogs may not taste the granules, which are most often hidden in tasty foods such as meat, sausages, pies and other tempting treats. The black, gunpowder-like granules are easy to identify and will often be present in vomit once the dog has ingested the poison.
“Albicarb has been suspected of being used in rhino poaching cases, and is fatal to dogs and humans in even very small amounts (less than a teaspoon of the granules can kill a dog in hours),” she added.
Although the exact number of dogs being poisoned is unknown, due to the lack of reporting, some KZN vets are seeing up to three cases a month. “Dog poisoning is a crime, and must be reported to your local SAPS and SPCA as soon as possible. It is advisable to communicate any cases with your community as well,” she added.
All cases of animal cruelty should also be reported to the NSPCA, and a proper record kept of all details.
Montclair SAPS communication officer, Capt Dereck Vijiam urged pet owners to report this serious crime being perpetrated by dog poisoners. “It is a criminal offence and we urge the public to report it to the SPCA and the police so we can investigate and catch them. By reporting crime, it makes us more aware of what is happening in the area.”
Signs of poisoning may include:
– Lethargy
– Excessive salivation
– Lack of co-ordination
– Difficulty breathing
– Vomiting
– Diarrhoea
– Collapse
– Coma
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Survival rate of dogs, when treated immediately, is around 50% to 70% but treatment within the shortest time possible is crucial to their chances.
To reduce the chances of poisoning, keep your dogs indoors at night time, check around the property daily for any strange items, and be alert to any signals from your dogs that there are people around the fence line. For example, always investigate barking and call your dogs inside. Rather call a security company, police or the neighbourhood watch than go outside yourself.
“I recommend that dog owners keep the number handy for their nearest 24 hour vet in the area. Establish a relationship with the vets in the area, and find out about emergency treatment and first aid steps for dogs,” she advised.
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Should you suspect your dog has been poisoned, call the vet and tell them you are on the way. Remove all suspected poisons and ensure the safety of children and other pets by avoiding any contact with the suspected poison. Contact your security company and police station immediately to advise them of a suspected poisoning and possible intent to commit a house robbery. It pays to be alert.
Do not touch any vomit, or other excretions. Rather place them into plastic bags, using the bags to prevent any contact with your skin, by turning the bags inside out and using them like makeshift gloves. Remove all poison from the area, to avoid contact with any other animals and children. “The substance is highly toxic and can be absorbed through the skin, so wash your hands after collection,” she warned.
The only safe way to dispose of the poisoned items is to bury them deeply, but take any collected items to the vet for proper identification. Do not touch the substance or secretions.
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