LENNOXTON – Five dogs were poisoned over the past week and the suspects are still at large.
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Mark Jacobs, founder of Two Eagles Security, explained two of the dogs were killed in Paradise, while three were poisoned in Lennoxton.
“I suspect the dogs were killed for the purpose of breaking into homes, as two off-road bikes were stolen from one of the houses in Lennoxton where a dog was poisoned,” he said.
It is speculated temik, also known as two-step, was used in all five incidents.
“The culprits are putting the poison into sausages and throwing it for the dogs to eat,” Mr Jacobs said, after he found the remains of sausages at the homes.
Due to the seriousness of the matter, he said he was taking steps to resolve the matter.
Also see: Man on warpath after beloved dog poisoned
“I am working on the matter and encourage residents to check for any foreign items in their yards.
Also, if your dog barks, go and see why, as they won’t bark for nothing,” he encouraged.
Heather Gero of the SPCA was disgusted at the death of the dogs.
“Humanity has become despicable, regardless if the neighbours’ dogs bark too much or you want to break in, how can you justify killing an innocent and defenceless animal?”
Deeply perturbed because temik was used, Mrs Gero issued a stern warning to culprits.
“Two-step is often sold illegally, as you need a permit to purchase and sell it. Legal action can be taken against people if they are caught with it and they do not have the proper licences.”
Pet owners should rush their animals to the vet if poisoning was suspected.
Symptoms of two-step poisoning include weakness, headaches, vomiting and eventually death, if untreated.
Temik takes approximately an hour to show symptoms. Once the symptoms are displayed, pet owners have mere minutes to find help.
Mrs Gero said if a pet had been poisoned, it was important to notify the SPCA on 034 318 2346.
“We will put it into our database, so we can keep track of the incidents and work on getting the poisons used removed from stores,” she concluded.
