The RSPCA is investigating whether bait fish found near the beach in the suburban streets of Mooloolaba could be linked to a spate of dog poisonings.
Mooloolaba resident Louise Dever found a bait fish just before her puppy Miss Bangers almost ate it at about 11.30am Thursday, and she alerted the RSPCA.
Ms Dever said the RSPCA told her they were aware of numerous reports of poisoned bait fish and some meat pieces and were gathering evidence.
“The RSPCA thinks someone is throwing them out of their car window. So anyone in the area, keep an eye out and save your dash-cam footage if you have it,” Ms Dever said.
“The lady on the phone said they had some baits reported in that area, and some reported in meat pieces too that they are investigating. She was pretty definite about it.
“They told me they were just waiting for a dash cam or a camera to catch them in the act, that they knew what they are doing, they know what it is but they don’t know who’s doing it, and hopefully we will catch them soon.”
Sunshine Coast RSPCA Inspector Julia Steley responded on Friday morning, saying there was no evidence the fish was connected to the ingestion of toxins at Buddina Beach.
“I cannot confirm the bait that has killed and affected dogs in the Buddina beach area was a fish found in Mooloolaba,” Ms Steley said.
“RSPCA does not think someone is throwing fish out of their car window.
“I cannot confirm that the toxin that killed and affected dogs in the Buddina Beach area was a bait. It is unknown what the source of the toxin was.
“There are no leads on the culprits so far and it is unknown if the toxin is the result of a deliberate act or an environmental factor.”
She said Ms Dever would be bringing the fish to the RSPCA to inspect and test.
Ms Steley strongly encouraged people out walking their dogs to remain vigilant and be aware of anything their dog had in or near its mouth.
“If any member of the public find any substance that they are unfamiliar with or seems out of place, do not let their dog near it,” she said.
Earlier, RSPCA communications manager Emma Lagoon issued an official statement but would not elaborate.
“We have received a report about a fish found in the area today from a member of the public, and our inspector is investigating that latest information,” Ms Lagoon said.
“At this point in time we wouldn’t be able to determine links to suspected poisonings.”
Ms Dever discovered the fish on the corner of Goonawarra Drive and Tarcoola Avenue at Mooloolaba while walking from her home to the local post office.
“She was one lucky puppy,” Ms Dever said.
“She had a sniff of this then I pulled her away from it because I didn’t know what it was.
“I kept walking then I stopped and thought that’s not right – why is there a sardine or pilchard – in the suburban streets of Mooloolaba. It was really strange”.
Shortly after, her neighbour told her he had found a similar fish bait on the other end of Tarcoola Avenue.
“I wouldn’t have thought much of it, if it was just one,” she said.
Ms Dever then walked back to pick it up safely and put it in a plastic zip-lock bag before calling Sunshine Coast Council and the RSPCA.
“Council took all my details then told me the RSPCA and police were handling it now,” she said.
“The RSPCA have confirmed that it was the same style bait that has been killing the local dogs and cats.
Ms Dever said the RSPCA told her they had “a lot of reports” of the baits.
After calling council and the RSPCA, Ms Dever took to social media to warn fellow pet owners of the “cat and dog danger.”
“I felt cautious finding it, told my kids straight away not to let our dog near something like this,” she said.
“I think whoever is doing this is targeting cat owners more than dog owners – for letting their cats out at night.
“But who knows, it could be someone who is over dog poo or it could be someone else who is very sick; either way they are very sick.
“Other pet owners should watch your dogs and don’t let it off the lead and pay attention to what your dog is doing.”
