IN light of recent incidents, dog owners are warned to keep their pets inside the house at night as a safety precaution.
This after a few incidents of dog poisoning have been reported to local community policing forum (CPF) groups in recent weeks.
The worrying trend follows one which has become prevalent in the greater Durban area and, although reports are few and far between in the City of uMhlathuze, there are concerns that such cases could increase.
The modus operandi varies from house robbers throwing poisoned meat over the wall or gate of the targeted premises, to spraying dogs in the faces with acidic substances.
This subdues the animals, giving the robbers free rein to enter the property and clean out the house.
CPF groups say it is safer for both animals and people to keep pets inside the house at night as the dogs will be able to more effectively alert their owners when their own safety is not at risk.
‘We also appeal to residents to be vigilant, looking out of the window when they hear a noise or dogs barking frantically, and to report anything suspicious rather than ignoring it’ said Melinda Ashington, a Meerensee CPF responder.
‘We also urge people to report crimes in progress to the CPF immediately and not the following day as we are an active patrol group trying to stop crime in its tracks, not reacting after the incident has occurred.’
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