Dogs, cats poisoned in Heiderand

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - An urgent warning has been sent out by the Garden Route SPCA after four dogs and two cats are suspected of having been poisoned in Heiderand in the past two weeks.

A Scottish terrier in the same area was confirmed to have been poisoned last weekend after it was taken to a vet at the Mossel Bay Animal Hospital.

Fortunately it was treated in time and saved but this is usually not the case for most animals that have ingested poison.

The four dead dogs and two dead cats were spotted in Heiderand by the Neighbourhood Watch.

The SPCA is investigating the matter.

Would-be burglars often use poisoned meat or other foodstuff to throw over walls and fences to kill dogs so they may enter premises.

The most commonly used poison is also fatal to humans in very small quantities and can be absorbed through the skin, so people are are requested to remain alert and monitor young children who might arrive and the poisoned package before a dog does.

The SPCA asks everyone to look out for any food or food packaging in their gardens and even along the road.

Pet owners are requested to check their gardens before letting their pets outside and to not allow their dogs to eat anything found in the streets or on pavements.

Although cats are less prone to eating items they find, the same caution and treatment must be followed for them.

Garden Route SPCA manager Frieda Jansen van Rensburg says: "If your dog or cat shows any signs of poisoning it is vital to cover the dog with wet blanket and rush it to your nearest vet or SPCA, should you not be able to afford a private vet, immediately.

"The poison is fast-acting and there is no antidote but there is a small chance of neutralising it if the animal gets speedy medical attention."

There are thousands of different poisons on the market, but the one most commonly used currently by criminals is the cheapest poison and the most effective.

A poisoned dog will start shaking lightly, and then the convulsions get worse.

The dog will get a fever, foam at the mouth, vomit, drool and its pupils will become narrow and its eyes will not be able to focus.

It will soon not be able to walk and then, lastly, it will lie down to die.

If one's dog gets poisoned, one needs to make sure that the other animals living on the property are safe and kept away from the poisoned animal, for example not coming into contact with its excretions.

The poisoned meat or food must be buried in a deep hole to get rid of it effectively.