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Whinsley Masara Chronicle reporter
A BULAWAYO woman has been accused of poisoning 14 stray dogs to death after they wandered into her abattoir in Douglasdale suburb. The woman who owns the abattoir, identified only as Colleen, allegedly killed the dogs with an unknown poison.
SPCA Animal Inspector, Dumisani Sibanda confirmed that so far 14 dogs had died and two others were still fighting for their lives.
He said Colleen would be charged with cruelty to animals.
Sibanda said the woman had told the SPCA that the dogs were accidentally killed by poison she had applied to chicken waste in a bid to reduce flies. Curiously, her own dogs were not affected.
Sibanda said Colleen had claimed that she had buried nine dogs that had died on her plot in the yard.
“What Colleen has done is definitely cruelty to animals because her abattoir area isn’t well fenced or protected. It should have a secure precast wall or fence to prevent dogs and other animals from entering the premise because no dogs are supposed to be seen in that area,” said Sibanda.
“Coincidentally, about two weeks ago Colleen reported that she was annoyed by stray dogs which loitered around her abattoir. Now 14 dogs have died following her action but her own dogs didn’t die. Residents are very worried about losing more dogs to this poison.”
The SPCA said a person should notify other residents or their neighbours before using any chemicals and the chemicals should be approved by the veterinary department before use.
When The Chronicle approached Colleen at her plot, she declined to comment and was hostile to the news crew.
Ephraim Mabika from another plot whose two dogs died from the poisoning, accused Colleen of inhuman behaviour.
“To me clearly that’s a direct trap to dogs and other animals in contact with that waste. We lost two dogs that same night and the other one still lies helplessly far from people,” said Mabika.
“Our dogs came back in a shocking state and in a few minutes, two of them were dead. I hurriedly gave the other one fresh milk which helped a bit. After a short while the dog developed sores on its skin and it was a scary scene indeed.”
Mabika said he now lives in fear saying if one could use such a deadly poison on animals, even human beings should be scared.
A resident who preferred anonymity said when she arrived from work on May 28, she realised that her dog was seriously ill and salivating continuously.
“My dog survived death because when I found it in that state I immediately took my dog to a vet and it was treated for poisoning. All the expenses amounted to $100. It’s not the first time my dog was poisoned. Six months ago the same thing happened and I had to pump out $100,” she said.
“If I had been 30 minutes late I was going to find my dog dead because by the time I got home its temperature had risen to about 40, 6 degrees and it was vomiting blood. It amazes me how one can be so cruel to innocent beautiful pets,” said the resident.
“We’re glad our dog survived and feel for those who have lost theirs. Sometimes we wake up to find dogs that have been shot and dumped in the street. The SPCA seriously has to do something to protect our dogs. No animal deserves such cruelty.”
Online Reporter