Pet owners are being urged to be vigilant after a recent spate of suspected dog baiting incidents on the Sunshine Coast has led to the deaths of several dogs.
Sunshine Coast police and the RSPCA are investigating after social media reports that a number of dogs have died recently from ingesting poison type substances after visiting the Point Cartwright and Buddina beach areas.
RSPCA has confirmed it is aware of three deaths.
A Sunshine Coast vet clinic sparked the warning after several concerned owners brought their sick pooches in for treatment
“Residents of the Sunshine Coast please use caution if walking your pets around the areas of Buddina, Minyama, Pt Cartwright and La Balsa,” North Coast Veterinary Specialist and Referral Centre wrote in a Facebook post.
“We unfortunately have had a series of patients presenting with alike symptoms that may suggest a toxicity by ingestion.
“Although we are unable to confirm the cause of these presentations the link to these patients is the area that they have walked within the 12 hours prior.
“Symptoms to look out for are gastrointestinal upsets, lethargy, or any change to your pet’s behaviour.”
Police say it is important that if you believe your dog has been affected that this matter is reported to police.
Some symptoms that may indicate that your dog has ingested something poisonous include: vomiting, diarrhoea, possibly bloody, high temperature, lethargic, rapid breathing.
If investigations determine that these are intentional acts there are several offences that relate to this matter including up to seven years’ jail if it is deemed an act of serious animal cruelty.
Dog owners are encouraged to report any incidents to police, and if you have any information about the incidents to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The RSPCA can be contacted on 1300 264 625.
