Deliberate Dog Poisoning in South Africa: What to Do

An unpleasant reality

Deliberate poisoning of guard and family dogs is a recognised problem in South Africa, often carried out before a burglary. The agents used are frequently agricultural pesticides sold illegally in small quantities.

These are potent, fast-acting and not something a household can treat. The only useful response is speed.

The signs

• Sudden collapse, often with several animals affected at once
• Heavy drooling and frothing at the mouth
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Pinpoint pupils
• Muscle twitching and seizures
• Laboured breathing, blue-tinged gums
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

More than one animal down at the same time is a strong indicator of poisoning rather than illness. Treat it as an emergency and as a security concern simultaneously.

Immediate action

Get to a vet now. Phone ahead so they can prepare — the antidote for organophosphate-type poisons has to be drawn up and given fast.

Do not put your hands in the dog’s mouth. Many of these compounds are absorbed through skin and are dangerous to you. Use gloves if you must handle vomit or bait material.

If you find bait, do not handle it bare-handed. Photograph it in place, then bag it with a plastic bag turned inside out and take it with you.

Check whether other animals on the property have eaten any, and secure the area so they cannot.

Reporting it

Open a case at your local police station. Poisoning an animal is a criminal offence under the Animals Protection Act, and deliberately poisoning to facilitate a burglary is evidence of an attempted crime against the property too.

Report it to your local SPCA. They investigate animal cruelty and can assist with evidence and, where relevant, with laying charges.

Alert your neighbourhood watch or community group. Poisoning is often followed by a break-in the same night, and neighbouring properties are frequently targeted in the same period.

Reducing the risk

Keep dogs away from the perimeter fence line at night where practical, since bait is usually thrown over.

Sweep the yard along the fence in the morning before letting dogs out.

Train a reliable leave it command. It is one of the few commands that genuinely saves lives in this country.

Feed at set times rather than leaving food down, so unexplained food on the ground is unusual rather than normal.