Warning over suspected dog baiting at popular Sydney park: ‘Sickening’
The council is investigating after three dogs reportedly died from baiting at an eastern suburbs park.
Pet owners have been put on alert after reports of fatal dog baiting at a popular park in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
It’s believed several dogs have already died after visiting Marks Park in Tamarama, with one report on social media claiming three dogs have now been killed.
“A friend’s dog visited the park, ate something and suddenly passed away several hours later,” Maddy’s Dog School posted on Instagram.
“Three dogs now have passed due to poisoning,” someone else wrote online. “Do not walk near Marks Park.”
While another woman posted on Facebook "the first dog to pass was an 18-month-old golden retriever".
"Just heartbreaking," she said.
Dog owners urged to be vigilant
Waverley Council has since launched an investigation following the reports of suspected dog baiting in Marks Park.
While rangers are continuing to speak with local residents, dog owners are being told to be careful. Signs have also been installed in the area warning of “multiple reports of dogs passing over the weekend due to unknown poisoning and/or dog baiting".
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“We will provide updates as they come to hand but in the meantime we ask dog owners to remain vigilant and be alert for any signs of illness in their dogs,” a council spokesperson said.
“Dog-baiting is not a common problem in Waverley but is devastating when it does occur. We take this matter very seriously and will have all reports of possible baiting immediately investigated.”
Anyone with information is urged to get in touch with Council on 9083 800, or lodge a request on the council’s website.
Eastern suburbs locals say it’s a common problem
But social media users have hit back at Waverley Council, saying dog baiting is happening “far too often.”
“It might not seem common if it’s not reported, but in the five plus years that I have been walking dogs I have heard of it happening at Rose Bay, Centennial Park, Marks Park and the Coastal Walk at least once a year,” one person wrote.
“I’ve had a client's dog pass away from eating it as well when they were at a park in Bondi,” said another. “About six months ago it happened on Wellington Street in Bondi and the dog died,” someone else commented.
“Shocking, [I] will not take my dog to Marks Park anymore, I’ve heard so many stories there,” another wrote. “This is sickening,” added someone else.
Locals have called for security cameras to be installed at Marks Park.
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