Be on the alert for dog poisoning

The number of dog poisonings has risen on the East Rand and residents are warned to keep an eye out for criminals using this as a means to gain access to properties.

Crystal Park SAPS media liaison officer Tryna Maritz said dog poisonings occur all over.

“It happens mainly due to criminals wanting to break in, or wanting to steal something,” she said,

“In most cases in the Crystal Park policing area, criminals are poisoning dogs to steal motor vehicles and motorcycles.”

There have also been cases where dogs were poisoned and the houses were broken into.

The Benoni SPCA is not permitted to treat animals that have been poisoned and Renee Rossolimos, inspector at the society, encourages pet owners to keep an emergency number for their local vet on hand, in case of an emergency.

Chairwoman of the SPCA Diane Wooldridge advises that animals be kept inside the house at night.

“This is, in any case, a better alarm, because you know someone is there when the dogs bark, whereas they bark at several things outside” she said.

Pet owners are also encouraged to keep their animals in the backyard of the house, behind a barrier.

Maritz listed some tips that can assist pet owners to prevent or act on dog poisoning:

• Pet owners must get their animals to a vet as soon as possible, and ensure there are no traces of poison left behind if there are other dogs.
• The yard must be cleaned thoroughly.
• It is smart to do routine checks where your dog is kept, in order to spot any food that may lie around.
• Teach your dog not to accept any food or treats from strangers.
• It must also be reported to the SAPS immediately (a register is kept in the CSC), in order for extra patrols to be introduced in the area, and to inform the members to be on alert.

Benoni SAPS media liaison officer Lieut Nomsa Sekele said no cases of dog poisoning have been reported to the Benoni Police Station yet.