DOGS POISONED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21457, 3 April 1933, Page 11

DOGS POISONED

CONCERN AMONG OWNERS BUCKLAND'S BEACH CASES INVESTIGATIONS BY POLICE The" loss of two dogs, one a valuable pedigree bulldog, by poisoning at Buckland's Beach last week, has caused conI siderablo concern among dog owners in tho district, and has given rise to suspicions that poison is being purposely laicl for animals. The suspicions that poison is being laid aro stated to be strengthened by the circumstances surrounding the death of the animals and the fact that about six months ago many dogs in the district disappeared mysteriously and others died from poisoning. At that time tho internal organs of a valuable Alsatian dog wero examined by the Government analyst, and the report is stated to have disclosed unmistakeable proof that the animal died from poisoning. The owner of the bulldog poisoned last week, Mr. T. Duifett, of Hathaway Avenue, Buckland's Beach, stated yesterday he was satisfied that poison was being laid. He said his dog was not allowed to roam. It was taken out daily for exercise by a member of his family, and on Tuesday afternoon his daughter took it out on the beach. A short distance from home the dog picked up a cooked bone from the roadside and commenced to gnaw it. Miss Duffett immediately took the bone away from the dog and proceeded to the beach. In .less than 10 minutes the dog showed signs of illness. It was carried home and treated, but expired shortly afterwards. "The whole circumstances point to wilful laying of poison," said Mr. Duffett. He mentioned that two cats, owned by people in houses on either side of his, had died from poisoning the previous day. Mr. Duffett said he would not have accepted £6O for tho dog. He had lodged a complaint with the police. Previously, another dog, owned by Mr. D. Smith, also died from poisoning. "This was the third time my dog had picked up poison," said Mr. Smith. "We managed to save him by skilled treatment on the two former occasions, but this time he was beyond aid when we found him." He said his dog, which was a favourite on the beach with visitors, was found lying on the roadway by some girls. Mrs. G. M. Spencer, of Buckland's Beach, who is a member of the New Zealand Kennel Club and the Alsatian Club, said she had lost a pedigree Alsatian by poisoning about six months ago. She had had the internal organs of the dog examined, and the analyst's report definitely proved death had been caused by poisoning. At that time, said Mrs. 'Spencer, about 13 dogs either disappeared or died from poisoning. After the numerous complaints received last year exhaustive inquiries were made by the police to trace the disposal of alt poison purchased for tho destruction of pests or animals. "These were conducted over a wide field but without result," stated a police official yesterday. He added that further investigations were in hand.