A THORNLANDS veterinarian who warned of animals poisoned in Redlands has received an anonymous, threatening letter about her own cattle dogs.
Dr Katria Lovell found the letter warning of her dogs barking habits in her home post box.
“The letter said the dogs should be debarked – which is considered cruel – or permanently removed and if we wouldn’t do that they (the letter writer) would,” she said.
The letter stated video footage was being taken of her animals.
Police said last week they had received two reports of dogs that had died from poisoning and other suspected poisonings.
This week police said one report was confirmed but another dog seemed to have died from other causes.
Dr Lovell said she had moved her dogs away for a few days and installed security cameras.
She had also reported the letter to police and informed council.
Dr Lovell said council had received a complaint about her dogs about eight months ago but nothing since.
She said people needed to take complaints about animals seriously and keep records of any threats or incidents.
“It seems that people are more and more inclined to take the law into their own hands.”
She said installing cameras provided proof of whether dogs were barking when home alone.
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In June, Dr Lovell treated two cattle dogs from Redland Bay that were poisoned with snail bait.
Dr Lovell said dogs reacted to snail bait very quickly but there was a delayed response to rat poison.
“It’s important to check your yard every day for anything suspicious,” she said.
“Sometimes people put rat poison in their roof gutters, but birds can get hold of it and drop the poison in yards.”
She said stories about dog poisoning raised people’s awareness of the issue.
Vets also needed to consider poisoning as a possible cause of symptoms such as seizures or vomiting.
Precautions
Dr Lovell said owners could try to prevent dogs barking by ensuring the pets had plenty of exercise.
“Also ensure they have lots of environmental enrichment by giving them toys, things to chew and mental stimulation,” she said.
“Ensure your dogs have the basics such as shelter, food and water so they are not looking for human interaction when you are out.”
Dr Lovell said minimising what a dog can see outside of the yard may help if a pet that barks when people go past.
“Sometimes sectioning off the yard helps or blocking their view.
“People may also find putting on a radio or playing music helps their dogs think they are not home alone.”
