Research on dog poisonings in Centurion
Unisa’s school of criminal justice professor Rudolf Zinn’s research was based on in-depth interviews with convicted robbers, and found that robbers regard dogs as the biggest deterrent of all.
Home owners often think their dogs are their first line of defence against house robbers. And many dogs are kept for this purpose, as well as being pets.
Unisa’s school of criminal justice professor Rudolf Zinn conducted a thorough research project on house robberies in South Africa.
Zinn’s research was based on in-depth interviews with convicted robbers, and found that robbers regard dogs as the biggest deterrent of all.
“Many dogs are poisoned in South Africa daily. Not all incidents are reported to the police. Therefore, the number of incidents could be much higher than known,” he said.
“Dogs are not just pets, for many they are a part of the family. Dogs can also be a valuable asset in our arsenal to a safer home.”
Centurion Concerned Citizens (CCC) joined hands with Bakenkop animal clinic and SAPS Wierdabrug to inform and educate the community about dog poisonings.
Warrant-Officer Koos van Staden of Wierdabrug SAPS confirmed that many dogs were poisoned prior to home invasions and theft from properties.
Van Staden told the community that the best way to prevent dog poisoning was to keep them in the backyard during the day and in the house at night.
“Dogs generally have excellent hearing and will alert their owners of movement in the area. Keeping your dogs indoors or in the backyard will protect them from possible poisoning,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Tyla Mitchison said the poison that is used by criminals is so potent that it is also dangerous to humans who come into contact with it.
Mitchison advised the community to immediately take their dogs to hospital, if poisoning is suspected.
“If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, act without hesitation and get your dog/s to the nearest animal clinic immediately. Always call your veterinarian while en-route. Do not administer home remedies without first consulting your vet.
“Open a case of animal cruelty and malicious damage to property at SAPS. Contact your nearest SPCA with the SAPS case number, for their records.”
Research by private security, showed that there has been a spike in house break-ins in Centurion since early 2021.
Areas that are mostly affected by the burglaries are Rooihuiskraal, the Reeds, Lyttelton Manor, Wierda Park, Zwartkop, Highveld, Irene, and Die Hoewes.
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