Dogs in peril, owners on alert after poisoned meat found in southern park

CCTV cameras could be used in an attempt to foil the person who left a poisoned chicken liver in a large southern park, terrifying local dog owners.

Southern suburbs dog owners have been left terrified after a chicken liver filled with rat poison was found last week at Tangari Regional Park – and CCTV cameras may be used to foil the culprit.

Georgi Batic, 20, made the alarming discovery on Wednesday when she noticed her dog, Ziggy, had something in his mouth.

“Naturally I got it out as fast as I could before I realised it was something unusual,” Ms Batic said. “My puppy is OK – thank God he didn't pierce the liver in time.”

Ms Batic made a complaint to the local council and police, who later confirmed the meat scrap contained rat poison.

The 65ha park at Woodcroft, with its many trails, is immensely popular with dog owners, as well as families.

A spokesman for Onkaparinga Council said temporary warning signs had been put up following Ms Batic’s report and that the use of CCTV cameras was being considered.

“The most common form of baiting is by way of rat pellets inserted into meat,” he said. “These rat pellets are normally green or blue in colour.”

RSPCA spokesperson Carolyn Jones said anyone caught intentionally laying poison could face prosecution under SA’s Animal Welfare Act.

She said the RSPCA had received 71 reports so far this year of possible baiting of animals including cats, dogs, birds and native animals.

This compared for 80 in 2020.

Georgi Batic with Ziggy, who picked up a kidney stuffed with rat poison at Tangari Regional Park. Picture: Tom Huntley

“We are extremely concerned that someone would do this,” she said.

“It shows a complete disregard for the safety not only of animals but also of small children.

“Poisoning can cause enormous suffering.

“Keep an eye on your dog when out walking, to make sure it doesn’t ingest something that’s potentially harmful.

“If your dog is likely to gobble anything consumable before you have seen it, consider walking the dog with a muzzle to stop it eating random objects and if you suspect your pet has swallowed something dangerous, get it to a vet immediately.”

Michael Bottrell, an instructor at Southern Districts Dog Club who regularly visits the park, said he believed more baits were put out in the warmer months.

“It’s a continuation of what happened last summer (when) one of our fellow instructors lost a dog to baiting,” he said.

“It’s getting worse – this never used to happen, this is the first I’ve heard of it at Tangari.

“Someone’s got a problem in the head.”

Anyone who finds evidence of dog baiting is asked to contact police immediately.