Dog poisonings on the rise – how you can stop it from happening
Very few preventative measures can be taken.
Earlier this year, Brigadier Sam Manala gave residents advice pertaining to dog poisoning that is as important now as it was then since Roodepoort has once again fallen victim to a spate of dog poisonings in areas from Witpoortjie to Horison.
In March, Manala urged residents to open a case when their dog or dogs are poisoned. “We realise that residents often don’t bother, thinking it is a pointless exercise,” said Brigadier Manala, “but by opening cases, they can help the police to identify hot spots and prevent other crimes”.
Also Read:
https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2018/03/05/police-say-what-to-do-in-case-of-dog-poisoning/
These poisonings, in which Aldicarb aka Temik aka “Two Step” (among other poisons) is used, are usually the precursor for more serious crimes such as housebreaking, house robbery and rape. The substance is supposed to be used as an insecticide or rodent poison in agriculture and is nearly impossible to legally get hold of in South Africa as well as countries such as the US.
“Two Step” comes in black granule form and is usually mixed into meat or other treats irresistible to dogs. Two Step has a sulphurous smell, but that does not seem to deter dogs.
Symptoms that your dog has been poisoned:
• Profuse twitching of the skin
• Disorientation
• Excessive bronchial secretion, i.e. coughing up slime
• Excessively runny nose
• Hypersalivation
• Hyperventilation
• Restlessness
• Weakness
• Somnolence
• Lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Convulsions
• Seizures
• Diarrhoea: may be mucous or may be black
• Abnormal pupils – either pinpoint or dilated
• Abdominal pain
• Tremors and muscle twitching
• Temporary or partial paralysis, partial loss of movement
• Unconsciousness
• Coma
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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