Third death but Gold Coast council dismisses fears of poisoning at popular Labrador park

THE Gold Coast City Council has dismissed fears of dog poisoning at a popular Labrador park after the death of a third dog at the weekend.

The council has dismissed fears of poisoning at the Musgrave Dog Park.

The Gold Coast City Council has dismissed fears of dog poisoning at a popular Labrador park after the death of a third dog at the weekend.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reported two dogs died minutes after playing near the pond at the Musgrave Dog Park last month, in seemingly unrelated cases, prompting other concerned dog owners to raise the alarm.

Georgina Holliday with her partner Vaughn Page at Musgrave Dog Park. Georgina believes her dog, one-year-old Kiko was poisoned at the park. She found him near the pond laying down, unable to move. Photo: Jerad Williams

Both animals were found by their owners fighting for their lives near the pond but later died, despite being treated by veterinarians.

A third dog was found dead at the Labrador park on Saturday but a Gold Coast City Council spokeswoman said the animal had been hit by a car, not poisoned.

Kiko the husky.

“Unfortunately the animal died prior to our officers attending,” she said.

“It was placed within the park by a member of the public until it could be removed.

“No other complaints have been received at this time and there is no suggestion this was linked to any other incidents at this park.”

Joanne Webb posted a photo of the dead dog on social media yesterday to find its owner.

It comes just weeks after council officers, working with the RSPCA, tested the water in the pond in case it was contaminated. The tests were “inconclusive” according to the council spokeswoman.

“We will continue to monitor the park closely for any suspicious items or activities and will liaise with park users,” she said. “We urge residents to report suspicious behaviour to police.”