Animal Welfare NT issues rare alert following suspected poisoning in Nightcliff
A rare alert to pet owners has been issued following an alleged dog poisoning in a Darwin suburb, with one beloved pooch already dead. Read the details.
The NT animal welfare agency has issued a rare alert following a suspected dog baiting was reported in Nightcliff, with one family dog confirmed dead.
Animal Welfare NT director Charles Drury said his agency received a report from a Darwin resident about the suspected baiting on September 9.
“Pet owners are encouraged to stay alert and regularly check backyards and surrounding areas for any suspicious foreign items,” Mr Drury said.
“This could be meat or other food thrown over the fence and may be intentionally placed bait or substances that are harmful and can poison pets.”
A picture posted to Nightcliff Community Facebook group on Thursday purportedly shows a piece of baited meat discovered in a Nightcliff yard on Tuesday.
The anonymous poster said they believe their dog may have been deliberately killed following its sudden death last week.
The NT News spoke with Nightcliff resident Mark Kersemakers who lost his dog to a suspected poisoning recently.
His eight-year-old Bull Arab cross Jinkx died suddenly on September 2.
Mr Kersemakers said his dog was not a barker, and suspected potential thieves could be deliberately baiting dogs in the area to make breaking in easier.
He said he knew of three other neighbours who had experienced similar incidents in recent weeks.
“We’re pretty devastated,” Mr Kersemakers said.
“The kids have left home, but they were also very upset.”
An animal welfare spokeswoman urged Darwin residents to be alert for signs of suspected poisoning, which include:
- Sudden vomiting or diarrhoea
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Unusual lethargy or weakness
- Difficulty breathing or persistent coughing
- Seizures or trembling
- Disorientation or collapse
“If your pet is showing any of these symptoms seek veterinary help immediately,” the spokeswoman said.
On September 2 the NT government passed strong animal welfare reforms which increased the penalties for animal abuse and issued a new minimum level of care offence.
Leader of Government Business Steve Edgington signalled the laws were in response to the horrendous and despicable animal abuse committed by convicted animal abuser Adam Britton.
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Originally published as Animal Welfare NT issues rare alert following suspected poisoning in Nightcliff
