Urgent warning after suspected dog baiting death in Kelso

Reports of dog baiting in Townsville have residents on high alert amid growing fears that criminals are dropping poisonous baits in people’s yards to break in undetected.

Reports of dog baiting in Townsville have residents on high alert amid growing fears that criminals are dropping poisonous baits in people’s yards to break in undetected.

Kelso dog owner Adam Jenkins is warning others to be alert after his family’s beloved chocolate border collie, Jersey, died after a suspected dog bait poisoning on February 24.

He said their vet suspected Jersey had eaten rat poison after she suddenly began to bleed profusely from her gums, teeth, and nose and tragically had to be put down.

It comes as police investigate after two people were captured on CCTV in what appeared to be an attempted dog baiting at an address on Garnet St, Kelso, on March 4.

Jersey died after a suspected dog baiting incident. Picture: Supplied

Mr Jenkins said the incident was reported within walking distance from his home on Blue Wren Drive.

He’s worried malicious dog baiting is being used in the area as a tactic by criminals who are attempting to break into houses undetected.

“I just want people to be alert because I wouldn’t wish what happened to Jersey on anyone,” Mr Jenkins said.

“We treat our dogs like family, and I was really distraught when I saw what happened to Jersey, and I saw how much blood she was losing.

Kelso resident Adam Jenkins said his family's beloved dog, Jersey, died after a suspected dog baiting incident. Picture: Supplied

“She had been happy as larry before she suddenly got sick, and we rushed her to the vet.

“She was bleeding from her gums, her nose, and it just wouldn’t stop.

“Her blood just wouldn’t clot. That’s why the vet said it was likely she’d eaten a poisonous bait.

“It was cruel and absolutely disgusting.”

Pets that have consumed poison should be taken to the vet immediately as the animal was at risk of symptoms including uncontrollable bleeding, and death.

Upper Ross Police Facility officer-in-charge Sergeant Matthew Dixon said they were still investigating the reported dog baiting on Garnet St, and no offenders have yet been identified.

“Be vigilant of suspicious behaviour of people and vehicles in your neighbourhood,” he said.

“If it doesn’t appear right or normal, contact police.”

Anyone with information or CCTV of any suspected dog-baiting incidents is urged to contact the police.

Originally published as Urgent warning after suspected dog baiting death in Kelso