White River is among many Lowveld towns that have recently being plagued by a spate of dog poisonings.
SPCA Nelspruit investigator, Ms Marcell Hoffman said the organisation had reported and two cases in White River. “At the moment, there have been over 200 cases in Middelburg over recent weeks and it seems to be spreading here.”
Hoffman said criminals use Temic, Rattex and broken glass in food to kill dogs. “They do not just target the house they wanted to rob, but also the neighbours’ as well. They will poison all the dogs in a street so they don’t alert you when they want to rob you.” She added that people should not leave their garages open, exposing expensive items like boats and jet skis.
Hoffman usually advised people to keep their dogs inside at night to help their chances of survival.
Hi-Tech Security Nelspruit response manager, Mr Callum MacPherson came up with an idea of creating a basic emergency kit which would help slow down the effects of the poison.
“This treatment is not aimed to treat the affected pets. Anyone who suspects theirs have been poisoned should immediately go to their vet. Our control room can assist by contacting the veterinarians’ emergency number to mobilise them. We are just trying to help to prevent more deaths.”
“It is very important that if you suspect your pet has been poisoned do not delay, get to a veterinarian as these poisons act extremely quickly.
“Hi-Tech Security Nelspruit has kits in some of its vehicles and has also supplied kits to Bossies Community Justice (BCJ). BCJ’s Mr Albert Gryvenstein said he had six incidents reported to him over the past few weeks. “I had a case in White River where two dogs were poisoned in an attempted burglary.”
“Do not use home remedies like milk. Get your animal to a vet immediately. Most criminals use Temic, also known as ‘two step’, so keep your vet on speed dial.”
The warning signs include: body tremors (extreme shivering), diarrhoea, dilated pupils and extreme salivating. Avoid touching your pet with bare skin, and wrap it in a blanket to transport it to vet.

Read about a vet’s advice on how to treat poisoned pets