Cat poisoning on a rise in Dinwiddie

Dinwiddie resident Bianca Jordaan has expressed concerns about the alarming rates of cat poisoning in the area.

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She said between 2004 and to date she has lost 14 cats because of poisoning.

“Something needs to be done about this because whoever is responsible is getting away with it,” said Jordaan.

She said she has contacted the Germiston and Bedfordview SPCA to assist with the matter.

Inspector Nkosingiphiwe Sibiya acknowledged the reports by Jordaan.

“It is a tricky case. We are aware of the cases and are in talks with the resident. We have not been able to open a case because of the lack of evidence. We don’t have a suspect so that becomes difficult to conduct the investigation,” said Sibiya.

“We will also visit the resident’s home to investigate the possibility of other poisonous elements within the yard.

“Sometimes it may be something in the yard that the animal is eating or if it strays then it may be something it eats outside the yard at shops.”

The National Council of SPCA PRO Keshvi Nair said in a case where an animal has been poisoned and dies, the SAPS must be contacted.

“The carcass must be sent for a post mortem examination to determine the cause of the death. It is then up to the SAPS to investigate the case with the post mortem report and with sworn statements provided,” said Nair.

She said if poisoning is suspected it is crucial to have evidence.

“The welfare of the animal takes priority. If the animal has been poisoned and is still alive, the animal must be rushed to a veterinarian urgently. The vet will render the necessary treatment and be able to provide a veterinary report confirming that the animal has suffered from poisoning,” said Nair.

“If you are unable to take your pet to a vet the local SPCA must be contacted to collect the animal.”

Nair reminded pet owners of their responsibility to ensure that their pets are not left to suffer.

“If there is no evidence of poisoning, then there is no way to prove a case,” said Nair.

“Dogs can be trained not to accept food or any other items from strangers. Cats may prove to be a bit more difficult, but there are other ways to protect your pets,” advised Nair.

She said the signs of poisoning are abnormal behaviour, foaming at the mouth, vomiting, disorientation, lethargy and bloody stool.

“Poisoning can only be confirmed by a veterinarian.”

Nair urged pet owners to look after their pets.

“It is the responsibility of the owner to keep their pets within the boundaries of their property,” said Nair.

She advised pet owners to ensure they keep pets inside their property, do not let them stray out of the property, keep any poisonous matter locked safely away from pets and children, train pets not to accept items from strangers, monitor pets when they are playing outside, and bring them indoors to sleep at night.

She also advised to keep pets away from public reach and to keep the local veterinarian and local SPCA’s details on speed dial in the event of an emergency.

“We have not had any cases of cat poisoning reported at the station,” said Germiston SAPS spokesperson Maxwell Mabunda.