CONCERNED Melmoth residents have met with the Zululand Observer to highlight the ongoing problem of dog poisoning in the area.
Over the last seven weeks, 16 dogs have been treated for ‘Temik’ poisoning.
Temik is the trade name of the active ingredient ‘aldicarb’, and is also known in the trade as ‘Two-step’.
The poison is deadly to animals.
Of the reported 16 dogs poisoned, five died and the others were treated quickly enough and were saved.
The community is adamant that the dog killings are linked to the upsurge in bakkie thefts in the region.
Coinciding with the deaths, at least seven vehicles, including 4x4s, double-cab and single-cab bakkies have been stolen.
On two occasions vehicles were broken into, but the thieves were unable to remove them from the properties.
All types of vehicles have proven to be fair game and they are believed to be destined for Mozambique.
According to the source, Mozambican hawkers are openly selling the poison product on the streets of Melmoth.
The police were unable to confirm recent arrests of two persons in connection with the sale of the poison.
Aldicarb poisoning
The real danger concerning poisoning with aldicarb is that if the dead animals are not disposed of properly, they could cause the death of other animals and scavenging birds which will then have the poison in their bodies.
Animals are usually fed with baited food in ingest the poison.
Signs of aldicarb poisoning are frothing at the mouth and convulsions as the animal tries to regurgitate the food.
It has not been banned in Mozambique, where it is freely available and poisoning incidents in Zululand are often traced back across the border.
Police spokesperson Captain Tienkie van Vuuren says Melmoth Station Commander Lt Col Robert Souls is aware of the incidents and has consulted with SAPS Legal Services to obtain the necessary advice on aldicarb.
The prosecution relating to poisoning is not a common one and, to have a successful conviction, the correct protocols need to be followed.
Regarding the individual selling on the street, investigations are continuing and when the guidelines and protocols have been obtained, the seller will be dealt with.
Capt van Vuuren says SAPS Melmoth have begun night patrols with the Crime Intelligence Unit to curb the crime in Melmoth.
‘It appears that the better half of the Melmoth community and municipality are aware of the poison threat and anyone with information can share it with Lt Col Souls.’
He can be contacted on 082 5674154, or Melmoth SAPS 035 4502002.
