Thebarton Oval under surveillance after green pellets found by dog walker
West Torrens Council has put up a CCTV camera at Thebarton Oval after a dog walker discovered green pellets on the ground, sparking fears beloved pets could be maliciously poisoned.
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Bait has been found in a popular western suburbs reserve, leaving pet owners shocked.
West Torrens Council has deployed a mobile CCTV camera to Thebarton Oval and has been doing regular checks after the concerning find was reported last week.
Dog owner Charlotte McHaffie found green pellets, that appear to be rat poison, scattered at the oval while walking her pet.
Council officers took samples of the pellets, but they have not yet been tested.
West Torrens said it had not found any other bait since the camera was placed at the oval.
In a Facebook post, Ms McHaffie said she “didn’t actually think that poor excuses for humans spent their spare time scattering bait around in public dog parks”.
She said the pellets were found near the skate park.
RSPCA spokeswoman Carolyn Jones said her organisation was “extremely concerned” if the pellets were poisonous – particularly given no reports of public baiting had been made for some time.
“It shows a complete disregard for the safety not only of animals but also of small children,” Ms Jones said.
“If any animal were to ingest deliberately laid poison in such circumstances and were to suffer harm and/or die, those responsible … would potentially face prosecution under SA’s Animal Welfare Act.”
She said anyone with information about the pellets should contact the RSPCA.