Thirteen dogs poisoned, six die
Six of the 13 dogs which were poisoned in Leopard Road, Zesfontein have died.
A resident at 12 Leopard Road, Martin Viljoen, said three of his seven dogs were poisoned on Thursday morning, two of which died.
The third is being cared for at the Petit Animal Hospital.
He said two of the dogs (boerboel and a Jack Russell), of which neither were older than 17 weeks, died.
A quad bike was stolen from the property.
Samuel Burrell, who also lives on Leopard Road, said nine of his dogs were poisoned on Wednesday night.
A rottweiler, greyhound and whippet died.
The six remaining dogs were treated and will be discharged from the vet today.
Mercury Street Veterinary Hospital confirmed they received a Jack Russell yesterday.
The dog was dead by the time it was taken to the vet, which was also poisoned in Leopard Road.
Identify the signs
Dr Petro Allison, a vet at the Petit Animal Hospital, said people must get their dog to a vet as soon as possible after a poisoning.
She said people who suspect their dog has been poisoned must try get their canine to vomit after being poisoned.
This can be achieved by giving them lukewarm salt water.
The dog’s head must be tilted back and the solution must be poured into their mouths from the side of the mouth, by using their lips as a funnel.
The doctor said first signs of poisoning present themselves quickly after a poisoning, but do depend on the amount of poison consumed and the size of the dog.
She said dogs will vomit, have muscle tremors, and be off balance.
She also urged people to keep their dogs inside the house, where possible.
Report it to the police
Crystal Park SAPS media liaison officer Tryna Maritz said people must report dog poisonings to the police.
She said the Crystal Park SAPS has a dog poisoning register in the charge office.
This is used to heighten patrols in the affected areas.
She said this is important for the police to know about because dog poisonings are an indication of a possible criminal act at the property.
Were you dogs poisoned in Benoni this week? Let us know by sending an email to kevinvdl@caxton.co.za
