How to protect your pet from bait death

The death of loved pets and several reported sighting of baits have sparked fear among pet owners.  Baits not only put dogs at risk but children, so all parents need to be on high alert.

Now there is NO 100% foolproof way of preventing your dog from being baited, however training and some proactive measures can make you feel a little more confident that you have done something to help prevent the possibility.

We all know how quickly and quietly they can gobble food so let’s look at some proactive ways of helping to keep them safe. 

WHEN OUT

•  Keep your dogs on a shorter leash when walking so you can see items lying on ground
• When arrive at park, leave your dog on the lead and do a walk around the grounds before releasing
• Stay alert to watch for your dog becoming interested in something.

TRAINING

• Train your dogs to have a strong recall, ‘leave it’ and eventually a little harder ‘auto leave it que’.  There are heaps of positive training videos on YouTube.  Here is one great video to get you started https://youtu.be/pEeS2dPpPtA  
• Have a regular feeding pattern or time as these repeating associations form a habit process
• Training to eat on command and encourage them to never take food off anyone unless given ‘permission’ with a password.

IF SUSPECT BEEN POISONED 

• If you suspect your dog has ingested anything poisonous, seek veterinary advice IMMEDIATELY as death can result quickly.
• Bait symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, black tar-like stools, lethargy, rapid breathing, abdominal pain and abnormal behaviour.
• If possible, take the poison in a plastic bag without touching and exposing yourself to any harm.
• NEVER ‘WATCH AND WAIT’.  IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR PET’S BEEN POISONED, GO TO THE CLOSEST VET IMMEDIATELY.

COME TOGETHER

• Most humans are wonderful, these disgusting incidents are from a small minority of sick people/s who need help.  On the other side, dog owners are kinder, compassionate, more mindful and wiser humans so let’s come together as a community to show that we won’t succumb to hatred but will support each other. 

CONTACT

• Anyone walking their dog always need to remain vigilant for any suspicious behaviour.
• If you suspect anything or have any information to report on dog baiting, contact Policelink on 13 14 44 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  The RSPCA Cruelty Complaints Hotline can be reached on 1300 852 188.