Six reports of suspected dog baiting causes fear in suburb

A public meeting will be held to address fears in one southside suburb after reports of six possible copycat dog baitings.

POLICE have warned dog owners in the Hawthorne area of six reports of suspected dog baitings around Hawthorne Rd in the past week.

Morningside Police officer-in-charge Marilyn Jackson said there were concerns the reports were copycat incidents following the alleged poisoning at northside dog parks but could not confirm whether the suspected baits contained poison.

Sen-Sgt Jackson urged people to report suspected dog baiting to police and to be vigilant while walking their dogs in public places.

“Some of this is in raw meat, so if they do see anything suspicious at their parks, report it to police,” Sen-Sgt Jackson said.

A suspected dog bait found in a backyard at Carindale posted on Facebook.

“Do not leave the suspect material in the park. Report it and we will do everything we can to find the offenders.”

The RSPCA confirmed they had received one complaint of a suspected dog baiting in the Hawthorne area but no dog was reported sick in the incident.

Member for Bulimba Di Farmer and Morningside Councillor Kara Cook have organised a public meeting next Saturday, August 31, to address concerns on the recent spate of suspected baitings.

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Ms Farmer said pet owners have reported finding baits as recently as yesterday in Bulimba Memorial Park and on streets in Hawthorne and Bulimba.

She said police from the Morningside station would attend the meeting along with local vet Judy Harbison from Bulimba Vet Surgery.

“These are worrying times for pet owners so it’s vital they are provided with information and advice from professionals,” Ms Farmer said.

Cr Cook said the community meeting, starting at noon next Saturday at the Bulimba Golf Club, was a forum for pet owners to share their experiences and ideas.

“It’s an opportunity for pet lovers to unite against the evil minds responsible for baiting,” Cr Cook said.

“Pet lovers are desperate to know how to keep their loved ones safe and the meeting is aimed at providing answers. It’s also a chance to share ideas on how to beat this scourge.”

A Brisbane City Council spokeswoman said council had received no direct reports from residents about dog baiting at Bulimba Memorial Park or other areas in Hawthorne or Bulimba.

However she said the Morningside Ward Office had asked Council to increase patrols following concerns from residents.

“Brisbane City Council has continued its patrolling and installation of CCTV at Brisbane parks and has found no evidence of dog baiting,” she said.

“While the investigation is a matter for Queensland Police and the RSPCA, Brisbane City Council will continue to do all it can to ensure residents and their pets feel safe in Brisbane’s much-loved dog parks.”