Feared poisoning kills five dogs on Sunshine Coast

A vet has issued a warning to Sunshine Coast pet owners after five dogs were claimed to have died in less than a week, with fears battery acid has been placed in public water bowls.

Sunshine Coast dog owners have been warned to be cautious walking their pets around Kawana Waters, with claims five dogs have died in the past 72 hours after visiting the area.

“Residents of the Sunshine Coast please use caution if walking your pets around the areas of Buddina, Minyama, Pt Cartwright and La Balsa,” North Coast Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care posted on Facebook.

“We unfortunately have had a series of patients presenting with alike symptoms that may suggest a toxicity by ingestion,

“Although we are unable to confirm the cause of these presentations, the link to these patients is the area that they have walked within the 12 hours prior.”

There have been reports up to five dogs have died, with rumours battery acid was deliberately placed in dogs’ water bowls along the beach.

North Coast Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care said it was working closely with other general vet practices in the area, the local council and police to determine the cause of this mysterious illness.

Dog owner Dusty Sammon said his young puppy died on Saturday after visiting the Kawana Beach stretch on Wednesday, adding that he suspects they are related.

“I went there last Wednesday with my six-month-old pup and had to put her to sleep on Saturday evening,” he said.

“This doesn’t seem like a coincidence so I’d recommend steering clear for now.

“I was horrified to hear this is happening to other dogs in the area.”

Denise Bettany from Silver Lining Pet Rescue believes one of the dogs they adopted out, was also a victim of this alleged poisoning.

Sophie had only been adopted for three weeks before falling victims to the Kawana Beach stretch 'mystery illness'. Picture: Supplied

“We adopted out a dog whom we believe was a victim of this, her owner is absolutely distraught” she said.

“We are hoping it is an accidental thing rather than a deliberate baiting/poisoning, we are hoping that no one is that heartless to kill people’s beloved pets on purpose.”

Sunshine Coast Council has also received reports of dogs experiencing poisoning after visiting the Buddina Beach area.

A council spokeswoman urged pet owners to keep dogs in sight at all times while off leash, ensure dogs are responsive to voice commands before letting off the lead so they can be called away from unknown food sources and contact their vet at the first sight of symptoms such as gastro, breathlessness or being listless.

“Council urges dog owners and vets to report these instances to the Queensland Police Service,” she said.

Originally published as Feared poisoning kills five dogs on Sunshine Coast