In the wake of a rash of poisonings that claimed the lives of six dogs last week, Dr. David Nappier has launched a public education campaign aimed at increasing the awareness of pet owners about protecting their animals from what he believes are intentional and malicious actions.
The St. Thomas veterinarian advised pet owners to pay closer attention to their pets, especially those who wander away from home.
"In highly populated areas, pets should be on a leash," he said Sunday. "If out in the country, where pets tend to roam, I would recommend that the dogs be kept close to home."
Six dogs were poisoned last week by eating strychnine-laced chicken meat that had been intentionally left out for the animals to find and consume.
A Chihuahua mix named Max is clinging to life at Nappier's Imperial Animal Hospital, having received around-the-clock care for three days from another veterinarian, Jenni-Li Hellsen. Max is at home with Dr. Hellsen receiving intravenous fluids.
"The treatment is administered while the dog is sedated to allow the medication to be applied on an as-need basis," Nappier said. If the dog was not sedated, he said, the effect of the poison on its nervous system could cause sudden cardiac and respiratory arrest.
Nappier speculated that the dogs are being poisoned because they may be chasing and destroying livestock. Poisonings have occurred in the Scott Free, Upper Contant and Raphune Hill areas.
There have been other cases where the poison "was buried in pork-stuffed sausage," Nappier said. "It is all in an attempt to lure the animal to the poison."
Nappier encouraged pet owners who have questions or concerns about the matter to call him at 774-7034.
