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Dog owners urged to be vigiland

Friday, 05 February 2010

DOG owners in a Northside estate have been warned to be vigilant following a series of sinister incidents in which attempts have been made to poison the pets. Local residents and animal protection groups are appealing for any information to find out who is targeting the dogs.  Ann and Ray McDonnell, from Ardbeg Drive, Artane, contacted Northside People to highlight the issue following repeated attempts to kill their two dogs. Ray McDonnell said he regularly finds rat poison mixed with dog food thrown into his front and back gardens in a sick attempt to harm his pets. “This sick person has to be stopped,” Mr McDonnell declared. “There have been at least three attempts to poison our dogs in recent weeks and we have had to take our dogs to the vet a number of times. “We have found food laced with rat poison thrown over the garden wall and even planted under the bush in our garden.” Mr McDonnell believes that a person is using a lane to the rear of his house to gain access to the pets.  “This is an unprovoked attack by someone who obviously hates animals,” he said.  “We are scared to let our animals out now. They can only go in the garden to go to the toilet then we have to keep them inside the house. We are finding poison all the time.” In 2004, Northside People reported on the death of the McDonnell’s dog, Fifi, who died of “deliberate” poisoning. At the time, residents suffered from a similar spate of attacks with poisoned food being left in gardens and a number of mysterious deaths of dogs. Mr McDonnell said the situation calmed down for a number of years but now has reached a crisis point once again. “There are small children in this area who could be seriously hurt by this poison,” he added. “It is so dangerous for them. Something has to be done; it’s a total disgrace.” Mr McDonnell’s neighbour, Christy Boylan, said the situation was very worrying for everyone in the community. “We have a labradoodle and my son would be devastated if anything happened to it,” Mr Boylan told Northside People. “If anyone knows anything about what is going on I would urge them to contact the gardai. “It’s a dangerous situation. Children could be hurt by this poison so something has to be done.” A spokeswoman for the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) told Northside People they were keeping a close eye on the situation. They have made contact with concerned locals and are appealing for anyone with information to pass it on. “We would urge anyone with any information to contact us,” she stated. “If you suspect your pet has been poisoned then you must take them to the vet immediately. “People must be vigilant and I would advise them to check their gardens especially if they are easily accessible. “Have a look if your pet is acting suspiciously in one part of the garden – if they have eaten poison they will need immediate attention.” The spokeswoman said her organisation had supplied posters to the local community warning of the danger. “It is a criminal offence to poison animals like this,” she added. “The difficulty is proving that the person did poison the animals of course. We welcome any information the public might have.” The DSPCA can be contacted on 4935502 or visit www.dspca.ie