Sunshine Coast pet owners are on high alert after a series of deadly poisonings at a popular dog beach.
Key points:
- At least five dogs have experienced poisoning symptoms after visiting a popular dog beach.
- The dogs had to be euthanized, prompting a warning from vets and Sunshine Coast Council.
- Police are now investigating and anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Sunshine Coast Council confirmed it has received reports from a local vet of five dogs experiencing poisoning symptoms soon after visiting the Point Cartwright and Buddina beach area.
The dogs had to be put down.
Billy the beagle was among the casualties.
Billy’s owners, Val and Peter Logan, said they took him for a walk on Sunday afternoon, near beach access 210.
“He came back from the beach quite happily,” Mr Logan said.
“But about half an hour later… he brought up quite a lot of food… kept vomiting to the point where we were really concerned.”
The couple raced to the emergency vet, where Billy was placed in “doggy ICU”.
But that evening the two-year-old pup died.
“He really was a beautiful dog… we were so lucky to have him,” Mrs Logan said.
Another dog to die was a staffy-cross known as Sophie that had been on an adoption trial through Silver Lining Pet Rescue.
The rescue group’s Denise Bettany said the new owner was “absolutely heartbroken.”
The man had taken Sophie for a walk along the beach on Friday afternoon and she fell ill that night.
“He said he was very diligent in making sure she didn’t grab anything she shouldn’t have,” Ms Bettany said.
“Anything normal, like having a drink or something like that, he probably wouldn’t have taken any notice of.
“He’s just heartbroken…absolutely heartbroken.”
Craig Barrass said his daughter’s dog Pepper, a golden labrador, also died on Tuesday, despite the best efforts of emergency vets to save her.
“They had to make the decision to put her to sleep,” Mr Barrass said.
The family is planning to offer a reward to catch the culprit.
Turf war over dog park
The suspected poisonings happened in the Point Cartwright area, which is popular with dog owners.
The reserve doubles as an off-leash area from 4pm until 8am.
Vivienne Williams is part of the La Balsa Bow Wows group and said her members were in shock.
Some had expressed concern communal drinking bowls might have been contaminated.
Ms Williams said there had been animosity between owners and a group of residents who wanted to ban dogs from the reserve.
She said in recent months chocolate had been left around the steps to the beaches and “we all know chocolate is deadly for dogs.”
“We’ve had people who have been photographed at close quarters by people.
“We’ve had people who have been abused… it’s an ongoing battle.”
Police are investigating
Sunshine Coast Council urged dog owners and vets to report incidents to police.
Council has also recommended owners keep their dogs in sight and contact their vet at the first sign of any symptoms “such as gastro, breathlessness or being listless”.
Police confirmed they had been notified of several incidents and were investigating.
Mr Barrass said he worried a child could be harmed if they came in contact with a poison.
“What if… a little one got there and put their hands in that water bowl and then put their hands into their mouth?” Mr Barrass said.
“What would be the consequences of that?”
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