The bag of suspected dog bait.
Camera IconThe bag of suspected dog bait. Credit: Supplied/Theresa Robins.

RSPCA warns of dog baiting in Perth park

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

DOG owners have been warned of baits and poisons in Morley after a dog owner reported finding bait.

Morley resident Theresa Robins told Community News she collected cubes of blue seeds from Shadwell Reserve in Morley at 8.30am last Wednesday and delivered it to the RSPCA.

Ms Robins said while at the park her dog Violet ate something, but was not sure if it was bait or pieces of chicken.

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Violet. Theresa Robins
Camera IconViolet. Theresa Robins Credit: Supplied/Theresa Robins.

“When I checked on what she had eaten, I found at least six pieces of something blue-coloured and cube-shaped soft objects which appeared to have some type of seed in them,” she said.

“I knew these had only been put there in the previous 24 hours as I always check this area of the park when I take Violet, as there have been numerous occasions where we have found chicken and other bones in this specific area close to the house adjacent to the park in Wheatley Place.

“As I had a follow-up appointment for Violet with her vet that morning, I showed the vet the pictures of what these looked like as I was worried they were baits.

“She was treated with medication to help her vomit in case she had eaten any of these suspected blue baits.”

She said she was also afraid for children’s safety because they could pick up baits.

Violet is now recovering.

The area where the suspected dog bait was found on July 3 at Shadwell Reserve in Morley. Theresa Robins.
Camera IconThe area where the suspected dog bait was found on July 3 at Shadwell Reserve in Morley. Theresa Robins. Credit: Supplied/Theresa Robins.

A RSPCA spokeswoman confirmed it had received a report of suspected baiting.

The spokeswoman said since January 1 there had been 74 reports of deliberate poisonings in Perth, compared to 87 reports for the whole of 2018.

“RSPCA WA is warning people who walk or exercise their dog in the area to keep them on a leash and watch them closely at all times,” she said.

“Also, where possible keep an eye on pets in your yards and check the area regularly.

“Anyone who thinks they are justified in deliberately harming an animal had better think again – it is a serious criminal offence.

“It is an offence to intentionally poison an animal.

“Those found guilty face maximum penalties of a $50,000 fine or up to five years in prison.

“Poisoning is a terrible way for a pet to die – it causes great pain and suffering for the animal and is absolutely heartbreaking for the family.”

This was the first report to the RSPCA of baiting in Shadwell Reserve since 2017.

If anyone has seen any suspicious behaviour around this reserve area or has any information, call the RSPCA Cruelty Hotline on 1300 CRUELTY (278 3589).

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