Warning to pet owners – deadly puffer fish claims dog’s life in Port Edward
Puffer fish are highly toxic and can kill animals and even humans.
Pet owners are urged to remain vigilant after another beloved dog died from contact with a puffer fish last Sunday.
The latest victim was a cattle dog named V, who had lived in Banner’s Rest, Port Edward, with her owner, Leslie Liebenberg, a former Free State cattle farmer.
She was a loyal and devoted companion to Leslie for nine years, and the pair often enjoyed time on the beach together.
She was named for the distinctive V-shaped marking on her forehead as a puppy, and left an impact on everyone she met and was loved by the community.
Tragically, V is believed to have come into contact with a puffer fish and died within 10 minutes.
Puffer fish or fugu are considered the most poisonous fish in the world. They contain tetrodotoxin, a lethal neurotoxin that can kill both humans and animals. The fish often wash up along beaches after strong winds at sea.
Officials and residents are warning fishermen not to leave puffer fish on rocks if caught, but to return them to the water. Dog owners are urged to keep their pets on leashes and to closely monitor what they sniff or eat during beach outings.
Similar incidents have been reported along the Eastern and Western Cape, highlighting the need for ongoing caution to prevent further tragedies.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
