Dogs’ owners warned to be wary of poisoning
A resident of Boksburg and the Boksburg SPCA are warning dogs owners to be vigilant after an apparent dog poisoning incident, believed to be deliberate.
“There may be criminals that maliciously place poison in targeted people’s yard with the goal of killing dogs so that they can easily access the properties,” says Claudia Altorio of Boksburg CBD, whose dogs were poisoned.
Two of Altorio’s dogs (Jack and Sparrow) were rushed to Boksburg Animal Hospital.
Sparrow died of suspected poisoning, according to the grieving owner Altorio.
The second dog (Jack) was treated in hospital, after being affected by the poison. He is now safe at home.
All two animals are believed to have come in contact with a poisonous substance on Thursday, December 5.
The SPCA is also warning owners to take extra care of their pets, especially during the holiday season.
“Dog owners need to stay alert and keep their dogs in a safer place,” says Wilma Steynbergh, from the SPCA.
“If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned, do not wait for too long, seek immediately veterinary treatment.
“Do not allow your dogs to rummage or to pick up and eat anything they find.
“Controlling the movement of your dog in the yard can also be useful to prevent your dog coming into contact with harmful substances.”
Steynbergh advises people to refrain from using their dogs as watchdogs or to deter criminals, because it places the dogs’ lives in danger.
All owners are asked to not leave their pets unattended when they go on holidays.
Abandoning a pet without care is a criminal and prosecutable offence.
