Poison baits a risk to pets
The Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Biosecurity Association is warning dog owners to stay off pastoral land and its surrounds or risk the death of their pet.
Executive officer Ross Wood said half a dozen domestic dogs had died in the past few weeks as a result of eating bait set out for wild dogs.
“It’s important for everyone in Kalgoorlie to realize if they don’t want a dead dog for Christmas don’t take them out to pastoral places, ” he said.
“They are taking dogs to a dangerous situation.
“We are making that a dangerous situation there for dogs — it’s the only tool we’ve got.”
With baits viable for long periods and the chance they may be moved by other animals Mr Wood urged Kalgoorlie-Boulder pet owners to be cautious.
“Baits are moved by wild animals, baits are moved by birds,” he said.
“Anywhere is at risk outside the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.”
Mr Wood also reminded people to seek permission before heading onto pastoral property.
“All pastoral properties are at risk from baiting all year, ” he said.
“We’ve had a few cases where people have lost domestic dogs by travelling onto pastoral properties.
“In these cases the person did not have permission to be on those places.”
Kalgoorlie Animal Hospital veterinary director Margery Lukin said she had seen about half a dozen dogs come in due to consuming bait.
With an extremely high mortality rate, even with treatment, Dr Lukin said the best course of action was prevention. She recommended dog owners going into bush areas use a Baskerville or basket muzzle to reduce the chance of ingestion.
If bait is swallowed Dr Lukin said vomiting should be induced by giving the animal salty water.
Dr Lukin also advised pet owners not to fall into a false sense of security with the bait sometimes taking four to six hours to take effect.
