Maroubra, South Coogee: Owners shocked as dog bait found at Latham Park

Dog owners are reeling after a spate of baiting has been uncovered at a popular Sydney dog park. See what it means for locals here.

dog baits found at Latham Park maroubra August 3 2023

Dog owners are on alert warned after a spate of baiting has been uncovered at a popular Sydney dog park.

On Wednesday, a horrified eastern suburbs pet owner shared a warning on a popular Maroubra community Facebook page they found the potentially deadly bait at Latham Park, South Coogee.

Concerned residents questioned why baiters continued to deliberately risk the lives of beloved local pets.

DOg owners are being warned after a spate of baiting at a popular Sydney dog park.

“Who in their minds would hurt these adorable furbabies,” they commented.

Another shared their gratitude the dangerous material had been discovered and removed.

“Thank you for posting Marissa. Hopefully this undesirable bait will be removed”.

Dog baiting involves setting poison baits for dogs in an appealing treat to find and eat, leading to illness and even death for the animal.

A dog has been poisoned after what appears to be mince laced with green bait pellets was dropped over a back fence. Picture: supplied Balmain Veterinary Hospital

While the practice is prohibited under the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, it unfortunately does occur with the most common cases arising from neighbourhood disputes around barking and other complaints.

Baits are commonly set using rat poison, however many other toxins have been seen in recent cases, including recreational drugs used by humans and sharp objects like pins or razors.

Snail and rat baits – which are often used – impact an animals nervous system, causing symptoms like weakness and lethargy, breathing difficulty, tremors or convulsions and vomiting.

The baiting in Sydney’s east comes just weeks after a NSW Vet Sam Kovac likened dog baiters to the ‘Taliban’ as cases skyrocket in state’s central west.

The vet hit out at people deliberately harming and distressing animals and their owners. “They’re worse than the scum of society and should be treated as ‘Domestic Terrorists’ for the deliberate harm, suffering and distress they inflict on society being as bad, if not worse, than (the) Taliban,” Sam Kovac said.

Randwick Council has been approached for comment.