Urgent warning as poisonous dog baits found ‘everywhere’ at popular Sydney park

Police have issued an urgent warning after chicken mince, spiked with rat poison, were found scattered all throughout a park in inner west Sydney.

Police have issued an urgent warning to pet owners after a popular park was targeted with dog baits yesterday.

A post on social media yesterday said the contaminated baits of chicken mince, laced with rat poison, were “everywhere” throughout Enmore Park in Marrickville.

People also suggested the baits had been found at another nearby park, Enmore TAFE Park, which is a fenced off enclosure for dogs in Enmore.

A handwritten note on the park’s fence urged pet owners to beware before entering the park with their dogs.

At least two dogs had reportedly eaten the baits before they were discovered, and the incident was reported to police.

Police from the Inner West Police Command have today urged pet owners to “please use extreme caution when walking your dogs at the location”.

A sign warning dog owners has been put up outside one of the parks that was targeted. Picture: Facebook

The popular Enmore Park in Marrickville was targeted by dog baiting. Picture: Facebook

They urged pet owners to take their animals to a veterinary hospital “immediately” if they suspected poising. “Do not wait for symptoms to appear,” Inner West Police said today.

The obvious signs of poisoning by rat bait include signs of haemorrhage, including bleeding and bruising, blood in the animal’s droppings or vomiting blood. The animal may also become lethargic, unsteady on their legs, lose their appetite and have a distended abdomen.

Pet owners should also look out for bulging eyes and bleeding behind the eyes. Animals who have consumed rat baits are also at risk of sudden death without obvious symptoms.

Police are investigating the attempted baiting.

It is an offence to feed an animal a harmful or poisonous substance, under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.

It is also an offence to throw or leave poisons for the purpose of killing a domestic animal.

The offence is punishable in NSW by a maximum of five years in prison and a massive $22,000 fine.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Inner West Police or Crimestoppers.