Dog owners urged to remain vigilant for baits
The Pearl Beach Progress Association is urging dog owners across the Peninsula to remain vigilant after suspected poisonous baits were found at Pearl Beach and an off-leash area of Umina Beach.
In the week following the baiting of a locally-owned dog at Pearl Beach three weeks ago, residents found a number of baits at Pearl Beach and at Umina Beach.
The association co-ordinated a search by 25 local residents to clean up the beach and surrounding parkland.
Baits were found in several areas, with a dozen baits found in just one day, according to association president Ms Karina Stafford.
A number were found near a grassed area where many people sit and catch up with friends and neighbours with their dogs by their sides, she said.
Residents reported dead wildlife including birds, snake and rats.
Baits collected ranged from blue pellets wrapped in food to red brick-style rat baits chopped up and scattered on the grass and beach area.
The dog which took the initial bait, a cavoodle named Minnie, was out for a walk with owner Ms Catherine Hyland.
The dog was rushed to the vet, accruing a bill of more than $5000.
"She nearly died, and most certainly would have, had she not received immediate very expensive veterinary care," said Ms Stafford.
"Her treatment will be ongoing for some time.
"Fortunately it seems she may have been the only dog who has suffered, but the impact on her and her owner has been enormous."
Ms Stafford has set up a crowd-funding page to raise money to help cover Minnie's vet's bills: https://gofund.me/c4479fb5
SOURCE:
Media release, 20 Feb 2023
Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association