Pet owner’s warning after dog bait traps uncovered in southeast

A dog walker who made a sickening discovery at a popular Aspendale Gardens walking track has urged people to be on the lookout after a pup nearly lost his life when he swallowed hidden bait. It comes amid other reports of dog-baiting in the area.

Aspendale Gardens dog Baz had to be rushed to the vet after eating one of the suspected poisoned chicken necks found on the Mordialloc Creek walking track near Palm Grove Boulevard Reserve.

A pet owner is urging dog lovers to be vigilant after suspected dog bait was discovered hidden in parks across Melbourne’s southeast.

Aspendale Gardens woman Jacinta Chapman said her dog, Baz, swallowed two chicken necks during a stroll with dog walker Wendy May along Mordialloc Creek, near Palm Grove Boulevard Reserve, last Thursday.

Ms May and her son rushed the beagle-basset cross to Aspendale Gardens Veterinary Hospital, where staff induced vomiting to retrieve the bony pieces of meat.

After Baz received treatment, Ms May’s son returned to the park where he found more than 10 necks — which can be used to conceal poison — hidden under pieces of litter.

They also uncovered two abandoned Eskys by the creek containing plastic shopping bags with more rotting necks, which have been linked to acute polyradiculoneuritis — a paralysing and potentially fatal disease of the canine nervous system.

Two abandoned Eskys containing some of the suspected tainted chicken necks were discovered near Mordialloc Creek. Picture: Norm Oorloff

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Ms Chapman said Kingston Council officers took the piece of meat for poison testing.

The scare comes after concerned dog owners uncovered meat stuffed with toxic blue pills at High St Armadale near Orrong and Kooyong Rd last week.

Ms May took to social media to warn others about the incident, sparking more dog owners to claim they had seen necks sprinkled in parks across Seaford and Chelsea.

“The necks have been found under old car mats, kitty litter trays and bits of rubbish near the Bowen Parkway end of the track (at Aspendale Gardens),” she said on Facebook.

“My son has removed 10 necks and he is going back to remove more.”

A warning to dog owners hangs at the Seaford Rd intersection near Railway Parade at Seaford.

“Beware of dog baiting in area,” it reads.

Signs have been put up near the popular dog walking tracks to warn other owners to take extra care.

Ms Chapman said Baz, who spent Friday showered with cuddles and treats, was expected to make a full recovery.

“Baz is doing OK now … it’s just really surprising someone has gone out and done this,” Ms Chapman said.

“(Aspendale Gardens) is such a safe neighbourhood, it’s like a little country town.

“The walking track is Baz’s favourite so I’ll have to leash him at all times now which is unfortunate … owners should stay vigilant.”

Vet Sarah Norrie, who treated Baz, said the suspected baiting was “very concerning”.

“(Parklands) are a place where dogs and their owners should feel happy and safe,” she said.

“If it’s actual baiting that is taking place, it’s very concerning to the animal’s welfare and their health.”

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Dr Norrie said a variety of dog bait could draw different symptoms, some taking up to two days to appear.

“Symptoms include difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhoea, and anything that may seem our of the ordinary for your pet,” she said.

“If you suspect your dog has consumed something down at the local park you should seek vet attention immediately.”