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Gold Coast dog owner’s warning after deadly visit to Middleton Reserve, Southport

A devastated Southport dog owner is urging others to be vigilant after a walk in the park turned deadly for his beloved pup. Find out what happened

Animal lovers south of Brisbane have helped police solve a stolen car and dog mystery

A devastated Gold Coast dog owner is urging others to be vigilant after a walk in the park turned deadly for his beloved pup.

Danny Hornabrook believes his 10-year-old bull arab cross labrador named Ringo was baited after he ate an unknown item while out on a walk.

The man, who recently suffered a knee injury, said his parents took Ringo for some exercise at Middleton Reserve, Southport, on Sunday afternoon.

Danny Hornabrook with Ringo. Picture: supplied
Danny Hornabrook with Ringo. Picture: supplied

“My dad said the dog ate something at the park, but they didn’t get to see what it was,” Mr Hornabrook said.

“It made a crunchy sound when he was chewing it.

“He seemed fine. My parents assumed it was food scraps and didn’t think much about it.”

Sadly, Ringo was found dead in his kennel the next day.

“He was stiff as a board,” Mr Hornabrook said.

“It took a while to sink in, it’s been pretty emotional.”

Ringo the bull arab cross labrador. Picture: supplied
Ringo the bull arab cross labrador. Picture: supplied

The Southport man said while he believed Ringo was baited, he had no proof of it.

“That’s the only thing I can put it down to,” the devastated dog owner said.

“It has happened before in the area according to the people we have started warning at the park.”

Mr Hornabrook said he would be reporting the incident to authorities.

“Keep an eye out for your dogs. If they eat something, take them to the vets straight away,” he warned.

Ringo as a pup. Picture: supplied
Ringo as a pup. Picture: supplied

Gold Coast City Council was contacted for comment, but said these matters were managed by the RSPCA.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said it had not received a report of the incident, but anyone with information could call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).

Dog baiting refers to the act of poison being deliberately wrapped in food to appeal to a dog.

Signs of baiting can include weakness, lethargy, excessive panting, drooling and difficulty breathing.

Those who suspect their dog has been baited are urged to seek vet help immediately.

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/central/gold-coast-dog-owners-warning-after-deadly-visit-to-middleton-reserve-southport/news-story/0d4e3feb0413242de26acdadc4367ada