Maroubra, South Coogee: Randwick Councillor slams suspected dog baiting at Latham Park

A spike in dog baiting in Sydney’s eastern suburb has been slammed by a prominent councillor, after suspicious material was discovered at a South Coogee park.

Picture: Mark Stewart

An eastern suburbs councillor has bemoaned the increasing incidence of dog baiting at Sydney’s parks and green spaces.

Randwick councillor Noel D’Souza decried the recent spate of baitings as “disgraceful” and “malicious” after a horrified eastern suburbs pet owner discovered the potentially deadly bait at Latham Park, South Coogee.

The resident immediately shared a warning on a Maroubra community Facebook group.

Concerned residents questioned why baiters continued to deliberately risk the lives of beloved local pets – and thanked the poster for bringing the potentially deadly material to the wider public’s attention.

“Thank you for posting Marissa. Hopefully this undesirable bait will be removed,” one community member said.

Randwick councillor Noel D'Souza.

Suspected dog baits have been found at Latham Park, South Coogee. Picture: Facebook.

Cr D’Souza confirmed there had been an increase in dog baiting with poisons at coastal suburbs including Coogee, with dogs off the leash and “barking” dogs being targeted.

He said baits recently found in the Randwick area included those made using rat poison and warfarin tablets, however recently sharp objects like razor blades nails and pins had also been discovered.

A warning posted at Latham Park in South Coogee after suspected dog baits were discovered. Picture: Facebook.

He said households with barking or more aggressive dogs were at risk of neighbourhood disputes.

“Many of these disputes make people act out of character and place toxic baits for dogs which lead to sickness and death,” Cr D’Souza said.

The councillor said residents should be aware council officers could investigate evidence-based complaints and refer to an RSPCA register of local animal cruelty offenders.

Dog bait with what appears to be mince laced with green bait pellets. Picture: supplied Balmain Veterinary Hospital

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said council staff had inspected Latham Park but did not find any baits.

However he said deliberate and accidental dog baiting did occur in the area.

“We strongly encourage dog owners to be mindful when walking their dogs and to keep them on leash unless in a dedicated off-leash dog park,” Mayor Parker said.

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.

While the practice is prohibited under the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, it unfortunately does occur, impacting an animal’s nervous system, causing symptoms like weakness and lethargy, breathing difficulty, tremors or convulsions and vomiting.

RSPCA NSW spokesman Kieran Watson said earlier this year, while dog baiting was not common it was a “serious concern”.

“We don’t know what’s in the minds people who commit animal cruelty,” Mr Watson said.

He said people should be telling their local council and the RSPCA when they suspect a poisoning had occurred as there were “serious penalties” for offenders.

This included fines of up to $22,000 and jail time of up to two years under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.