RSCPA QLD ALERT -- Beloved pet baited - a cruel and painful death

Beloved pet baited - a cruel and painful death
by RSPCA Qld Inc. on Monday, 13 September 2010 at 15:04

RSPCA Qld is appealing for help in finding the person who baited Bronx, a nine month old Dachshund, at Jodie Court in Mermaid Waters on August 14th.

The nine month old de-sexed male was seen in the backyard eating what appeared to be mince in the early hours of the morning. Knowing that she hadn’t given this to him, Bronx’s owner ran out and found what appeared to be white powder mixed in with the mince. Within ten minutes Bronx started to convulse and was rushed to the vet. Within 40 minutes of arriving he had a further six fits and died. Bronx didn’t stand a chance.

Last Friday pathology reports handed to the RSPCA indicated that he had been poisoned with an extremely high dose of strychnine. This would also have proved fatal to a child and possibly even an adult. Humans and other animals can be poisoned by inhalation, swallowing or absorption through the eyes or mouth.

“Strychnine produces some of the most dramatic and painful symptoms of any known toxic reaction,” said RSPCA Qld Inspector Sommer Heath Crilley. “The road to eventual death is excruciating.”

Anyone with any information can contact RSPCA Qld’s Cruelty Complaints hotline on 1300 852 188.

From Friend to Friend

by Karen Clouston

Use and share this poem with those who have to ever make the heart-wrenching decision to help our animal companions transition from this life... I'll fore-warn you now: GET SOME TISSUES! This made me cry in memory of Bibs and Puddy (my most recent feline animal companions whom I had to help transition).

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a strong dog once again.