Dog poisoning spree in Empangeni
Nine dogs in two months have been poisoned with the dreaded 'two-step'
AT least nine dogs have been poisoned in the Empangeni area over the past two months with what is believed to be the dreaded Temic or ‘two-step’ pesticide.
The latest incident took place in Steenbok Street in Empangeni’s Nyala Park suburb on Tuesday morning.
Two small family dogs were poisoned, with only one pulling through.
Senior SPCA Inspector Roland Fivaz is on the hunt for the culprits after initial investigation found black granules he suspects to be Temic in the vomit of a Jack Russel that died.
‘The symptoms shown by the Fox Terrier who survived are consistent with Temic poisoning,’ Fivaz said on Wednesday.
Temic is better known as ‘two-step’ because dogs who ingest a dose would literally only take two steps before collapsing.
It is also highly poisonous to humans.
‘The state vet has conducted an autopsy on the other dog and we await lab results to confirm if it was Temic or not.’
The other seven cases all occurred on farms in the Nkwaleni area. One dog died.
A case of animal cruelty has been opened with the Empangeni SPCA with the possible penalties for a guilty party ranging from two years in prison or a R20 000 fine.
What to look out for
Temic is a pesticide used in the agricultural sector.
Owing to its extremely poisonous attributes, the manufacture and distribution of the pesticide was stopped in 2012.
Dogs who have been poisoned will show an array of symptoms, which include severe vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of balance, disorientation and aggression.
Fivaz warned that if one suspects one’s pet has been poisoned, to not touch any of the vomit or excrement as it would be necessary for it to be examined. Other dogs should be kept away from the affected animal.
‘Your best bet is to get your pet to a vet as soon as possible if you notice something amiss. Very often the vet will be able to successfully treat the animal,’ he said.
As per law, all animal poison cases must be reported to the SPCA.
If you suspect your dog was poisoned or have any information relating to this incident, contact Fivaz on 083 4823866.
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