The love between a person and their pet is incomparable. Just as we would do anything to protect them, they would do anything to protect us.
Sadly, their effective protectiveness seems to be putting them in danger. The Roodekrans Neighbourhood Watch (RNW), Fidelity ADT Security, and Absolut Security are urging residents to be vigilant following a devastating number of dog poisonings throughout the West Rand over the past few weeks. Over four days, 13 dog poisonings were reported in Wilro Park, Rant-en-Dal and Fairlands alone.
Facebook users have also said that the Kenmare area has been a target of dog poisonings recently.
“Residents need to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or vehicles seen in the area,” urged Fidelity ADT’s Community Development Manager, Wayne Lamprecht, further explaining that a series of house robberies are usually seen following dog poisonings. Residents are reminded that it is imperative to report any poisoning incidents, so that the police can investigate the case and remove any suspected poison residue or bait from your property. Fidelity ADT has promised to increase its presence in the affected areas to ensure greater visibility and support.
Both RNW responders and Absolut Security carry poison treatment kits in their response vehicles. Dean Alberts of Absolut Security stated that residents can call at any time of the day or night if their dog has been poisoned. Whether they are clients or not, the security company will respond. Absolut’s responders are trained for these situations and are able to help administer the kit and stabilise your pet for transfer to the vet, free of charge.
Anti-poison kits can also be purchased from the RNW Ops room for residents to keep in case of an emergency. The kits cost R25 each and for dogs that weigh under 15kg one kit is needed; for dogs between 16kg and 44kg two kits are needed; and for dogs weighing more than 45kg three kits are needed.
RNW Ops room can be contacted on 081 043 9488 and the Absolut Security control room can be contacted on 071 701 2948.
The following tips have been provided by RNW, Fidelity, and the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA:
• Cut back any trees or bushes that could be used by criminals to climb your gate, wall or fence
• Check your perimeter for any foreign items that could be used for bait, and ensure any damage to your perimeter security is repaired immediately
• Inform your domestic worker and gardener that dogs have been poisoned and encourage them to be on the lookout for any suspicious individuals
• Keep your dogs away from areas where criminals would have access to them, wanting to silence them
• Keep dogs in the backyard during the day and inside at night
• Check the entire yard for possible poison before letting them out to roam
• Make sure there is no unknown bread or meat in the yard, because poison is normally placed there
• If you do find something which seems suspicious, do not pick it up with your bare hands
• If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, rush it to a veterinarian immediately
