Animal welfare groups are urging dog owners in Hong Kong to properly leash their pets and be extra vigilant after a spate of dog poisoning incidents over the past weekend. At least six dogs have died within hours of ingesting poisonous bait at Cyberport Waterfront Park in Pok Fu Lam. This incident comes months after three dogs were found dead within 72 hours in July 2020 having visited the same park, as well as Victoria Road.

The news came as a 47 year old woman filed a report with the Hong Kong Police that her dog died at home shortly after a walk to the Cyberport Waterfront Park, suspected of swallowing poison bait that had been placed in the park intentionally.

The Veterinary Speciality Hospital (“VSH”) which has clinics in both Wan Chai and Ho Man Tin had said they received in total seven cases of poisoned dogs on both Sunday, 7 February 2021 and Monday, 8 February 2021. All of the dogs had visited the Cyberport Park.

Dr. Erik Zager, an emergency critical care specialist at VSH, said that symptoms among the dogs included a high fever and severe panting. Zager said veterinarians have not been able to discern what the dogs were baited with. Tests checking for the presence of organophosphate, a compound found in insecticide and often used in pet poisonings, returned negative. “This is really bad. I’ve not seen toxins like this before,” Zager said.

Hong Kong Police said that after returning home to a nearby residential area, many of the dogs began developing breathing difficulties, an indication that they had ingested poison during their outing. Further examination will be conducted to determine if the dogs died because of the toxicants. A piece of luncheon meat found inside a bush at the park was also seized for examination. No one has yet been arrested for dog poisonings, and the Police are calling for evidence regarding these cases.

According to the SPCA, a pet owner had offered a reward of HK$100,000 for help in capturing the culprit of the Cyberport poisonings. Those with information should contact the police via 3660 6611 or email to wdist-dcs-1-office@police.gov.hk, or contact SPCA via 2711 1000 or email to karl.mak@spca.org.hk. The SPCA strongly condemns such malicious acts, reminding members of the public that cruelty to animals carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to HK$200,000.

The Facebook page of Hong Kong Dog Rescue also shared a photo showing the suspected poison bait, with poisonous substances being stuffed inside a slice of luncheon meat. Additionally, in a Facebook group called Hong Kong Dog Owners, many expressed shock and anger at the reports. They discussed putting muzzles on their dogs to prevent them from ingesting anything during their walks, and how to induce their pets to vomit immediately should they eat something suspicious.

With the increase in reported dog poisonings in Cyberport, the Pulse and Sai Kung, pet owners are recommended to avoid bringing your pets to these areas and if in such areas, to keep your dogs on short leashes at all times, and most importantly, to prevent your pets from eating any foreign objects. Pet owners should also have in mind their nearest veterinary clinic in case of an emergency.

Courtesy of Kelly Ma

Main Source: SCMP, Coconuts