Family Pets Poisoned

[Teebs]

http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/news/local/news/general/family-pets-poisoned/2569442.aspx

Family pets poisoned

BY JANICE HARRIS

26 May, 2012 04:00 AM

THE lives of a young Orange family have been turned upside down this week after their two pet dogs were poisoned in the backyard of their home in Bowen.

The owners, who do not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, have two young daughters aged five and three and had purchased the miniature schnauzer dogs as family pets 18-months ago.

“I think we are just a nice family so why would someone want to do this to us?” the girls’ mother said.

“It just seems this is such a deliberate action and we feel targeted.”

The family’s trauma began on Monday when the mother and the girls arrived home around 5.30pm.

“I hadn’t even turned the car off when I saw Monty in the backyard. He was stiff and frothing at the mouth and I loaded him straight into the car and drove him to the vet,” the mother said.

Mulberry Lane veterinary surgeon Geoffrey Campbell began emergency treatment on the young dog, which was continually fitting.

The vet was so concerned over the dog’s welfare he took it home with him to closely monitor it overnight.

Owner of the veterinary practice Judith Carney said the dog was heavily sedated for 48 hours during treatment as it was the only way to stop its seizures.

As the dog improved and made a remarkable recovery the family visited the surgery on Wednesday to see their beloved pet.

However, their elation turned to tragedy when they arrived home and found Monty’s brother Pepper dead in the family driveway.

Mrs Carney said after carrying out an autopsy on the second dog, clinical indications pointed to strychnine poisoning.

“I found an ingestion in the gut which wasn’t his regular food and the other symptoms pointed to strychnine even though we don’t have the toxicology,” Mrs Carney said.

Mrs Carney and the family warn other people living in Bowen to take extra precautions with young children and their pets.

“I have to check the backyard now and just be very careful our girls and Monty don’t stay outside on their own,” the mother said.

“My husband and I had thought about moving but now this has definitely made the decision for us because we just don’t feel safe.

“It seems like such a calculated thing, especially with Pepper being baited two days later.”

Mrs Carney said the family was devastated by the loss of their second dog.

“Someone who does this type of thing to an animal is just so sick,” she said.

Mrs Carney said Monty’s life was saved by the quick actions of her colleague.

“Geoff did such a wonderful job,” she said.

Police have been notified of the incident.

“We are just so grateful that at least we have our Monty and the vets have done a great job saving his life,” the mother said.

[Salukifan]

I wonder if the dogs were barkers.

[persephone]

One angry neighbour, maybe . Poor little dogs .

[WreckitWhippet]

I wonder if the dogs were barkers.

That was the very first thing I thought of too.

There are people about who simply will not tolerate dogs barking and they take matters into their own hands

[Steve]

I had a call this week from someone who had owned a Maremma cross which was poisoned in orange - my first thought was barking got someone mad but these people have no neighbours who would hear it barking.

[Chris the Rebel Wolf]

I wonder if the dogs were barkers.

That was the very first thing I thought of too.

There are people about who simply will not tolerate dogs barking and they take matters into their own hands

Mien as well Not that it makes it okay, of course, but tragic as these awful situations are, I always wish I knew the full circumstances, so that you can begin to see why it was done and how to avoid such things in future. Not that there is any cure for cruel humans...

[Dame Aussie]

Possibly due to barking, but it's no excuse, this kid of thing makes me absolutely livid. Disgusting human beings, if someone did that to my dog they'd regret it.

ETA: I'd be moving too.

Edited May 26, 2012 by Aussie3

[GeckoTree]

God if they poison dogs for barking what would they do to crying babies! Sickoes.