A family in Reyno Ridge woke up on Heritage Day expecting to enjoy the day off with a braai but instead found all five of their dogs poisoned.
On September 24 the family found four of their five dogs dead, and one barely alive. The animals were clearly poisoned, as the veterinarian confirmed later that day.
The infamous poison commonly known as ‘Two-step’ is the cause of many incidents. It is actually an insecticide called Aldicarb, but rat poison is also commonly used.
The common modus operandi of the criminals is mixing Two-step in with some cheap dog food and food and throwing a handful over the wall at a house as they walk by.
If dogs are kept inside the house, the suspects usually take note of this and drop the food over the wall early in the morning as the owners let their dogs outside.
On the Witbank News Facebook group three dog poisonings were reported in Magda Street recently as well.
On Thursday morning that same week a woman, who was looking after her parent’s home while they were away, arrived at their home to find both dogs poisoned.
She discovered the dogs at about 11:00 and it seems that the incident occurred late the previous evening. She was shocked to find both of the neighbour’s dogs also poisoned.
The young woman rushed her little Dachshund to the veterinary clinic as the poor animal was holding on by a thread.
The police are concerned that people are not reporting these crimes to the SAPS.
According to spokesperson, Sgt David Ratau, they take dog poisonings very seriously, and reporting the crime can help the police combat crimes that are possibly related to the poisoning.
It can be reported as malicious damage to property.
Contact the Community Service Centre on 013 650 8052 to report a crime.
