Local security companies and pet owners are on alert as there has been an increase in dog poisonings in Edleen and Glen Marais in recent weeks.
In a statement released this week, Fidelity ADT Security is advising dog owners to be cautious.
“We have specifically had incidents in the Kempton Park area. In the last two weeks, we have seen seven dog poisonings. Four incidents in Eastside Manor and three in Edleen,” said Renee Coltham, community development manager from Fidelity ADT.
She advised that residents need to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or vehicles seen in the area to either Fidelity ADT or SAPS.
“Usually, we see a spate of house robberies following incidents of dog poisonings so we all need to work together to ensure these properties are secure,” she says.
She assured that Fidelity ADT will be upping its presence in these areas to ensure greater visibility and support for these residents.
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“Guard dogs are a great early warning system and, sadly, are targeted when criminals want to gain access to a property.”
Coltham offered the following security tips for residents in the area:
• Test your alarm and ensure it is in working order.
• Ensure that you set your alarm when you are away from the house and arm specific zones of your house that are not being used when you are at home.
• Cut back any trees or bushes that could be used by criminals to climb your gate, wall or fence.
• Check that your perimeter security has not been tampered with and ensure any damage is repaired immediately. Check your garden for anything that may have been thrown over your wall.
• Inform your domestic worker and gardener that dogs have been poisoned and encourage them to be on the lookout for any suspicious individuals.
• If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, take them to your closest vet immediately. You can also administer an anti-poison pack available from your vet or from the SPCA en route to your vet.
“We send our condolences to all those families who have lost a beloved pet and are fully committed. It is vital that any incidents of dog poisonings are reported to the SAPS immediately.
“All poisoning cases must be reported to the local SAPS with a request for them to investigate the case and remove any suspected poison residues/bait from your property. A poisoning incident is a crime and should therefore always be reported.”
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