Poisoned dog meat scattered through parks in South Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Middle Park

Poisoned meat has been scattered across dog parks in South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Middle Park, with dog owners urged to keep an eye out for the potentially deadly bait.

Dog owners are being warned to be vigilant in the City of Port Phillip.

Poisoned meat is being scattered across dog parks in inner Melbourne, with at least one dog requiring emergency treatment after eating the bait.

Ratepayers in the City of Port Phillip have been alerted to claims of bait being laid in public areas, including dog parks, in South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Middle Park.

Mayor Louise Crawford confirmed the council had reports of four baits discovered by members in the community over the past fortnight.

“One dog ate a meat bait and is receiving veterinary treatment,” Ms Crawford said.

“In the other three instances, the bait was spotted before dogs could eat it.

“The residents contacted us and we removed the bait.”

She said animal management officers had increased patrols of open spaces as soon as they were notified of possible baiting incidents.

“While there have been no deaths, we are concerned about these sporadic incidents,” Ms Crawford added.

“We are unsure if they are connected at this stage.”

Bait has been found in dog parks in South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Middle Park.

Members of the community that come across material they suspect to be bait are advised to photograph it, notify council and clean it up, if safe to do so.

Any and all evidence of bait discovered by the community will be passed on to the RSPCA for further investigation.

Dog baiting refers to the use of poisoned bait to kill dogs, more commonly used by the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action to manage the population of dingoes or wild dogs.

But some criminals lay bait in public parks or on private properties to poison pets.

Recent reports come after the Diggiddy Doggy Daycare in South Melbourne alerted locals to possible baiting reported in several suburbs in the council area.

A statement shared to social media read: “Caution: Baiting in the South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Middle Park local areas!!”

“Please stay vigilant and watch out for your furry friends and remember to report anything suspicious to council!! Look after each other friends.”

RSPCA Victoria has received a total of 89 baiting reports in the last 12 months, with reports not just limited to dogs.

RSPCA Victoria’s Chief Inspector Michelle Green encouraged anyone who suspected their dog to have eaten poisonous bait to “not delay” and contact the nearest veterinarian.

“Animals who ingest poisonous baits suffer significantly and this type of malicious act of cruelty can result in death,” Ms Green said.

It is an offence to intentionally lay bait for an animal containing poison, with those found guilty and prosecuted liable for up to $98,795 or two years imprisonment.

Originally published as Poisoned dog meat scattered through parks in South Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Middle Park