Spate of Margaret River dog deaths blamed on 1080 baits with vets warning owners to keep dogs on leads

A heartbreaking spate of dog deaths resulting from alleged 1080 bait poisoning has sparked a warning for owners to take care in local bushland. While the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions could not confirm if its Western Shield program was behind the recent reports, a steady stream of social media posts has stirred concerns. Although residents lacked firm evidence of 1080 baits causing the recent deaths, Margaret River veterinarian Phil Berry from Cape Creatures said there was a rise in dogs needing treatment for poisoning. “We’ve had a few cases in very recent times where there’s unexplained toxicological changes in the dog,” Dr Berry said. “There’s no test for a chemical or a toxin (as the definite) cause.” Dr Berry said dogs eating rat baits was common, while some dog owners feared deliberate poisoning by neighbours. Either way, the vet said no dogs recently brought to him had died and urgent treatment by a professional was always encouraged. “There is no pet-friendly bait because they are designed to kill,” he said. Clients had reported “unusual interactions and unusual signs after dog walks or going out and about,” Dr Berry said. He urged owners always to walk dogs on a lead to minimise the chance animals could ingest baits in the bush or nearby national parks. “If you’re off-lead, generally they love the smell of things and baits are designed to have a smell,” Dr Berry said. “You might not even know. By the time you catch up to your dog (off-lead), it might’ve swallowed the bait.” Margaret River woman Veronica Farrelly was among those warning others online. “Our son and daughter-in-law’s beautiful puppy Bayou picked up a 1080 bait on the walk trail somewhere between Old Kate the train and the (Barrett Street) weir,” she said. “She died a horrendous death. “Please keep an eye on your dogs and make sure they don’t pick anything up.” A DBCA spokesperson said the Western Shield program was actively reducing the risks posed by feral cats and foxes and bolstering conservation efforts. Maps of areas baited under the program were available online, and signs were erected at entrances and strategic locations. “This includes all national parks and high-priority conservation areas,” the spokesperson said. “Baiting does not occur within or on the perimeter of urban areas. “In the Margaret River shire, the closest baiting locations are in national parks greater than 15km away from the townsite.” The department said dogs were permitted in some national parks, but had to be on a lead and under control “at all times”. While baits were placed in vegetation to avoid easy discovery, any animal showing signs of distress should be taken for immediate treatment. Dr Berry said salt water could help a dog vomit poisons, but veterinarians had more effective regurgitation aids. Nature Conservation Margaret River Region general manager Drew McKenzie said 1080 baits played an important role in protecting threatened species like chudditches, numbats and woylies from feral predators. “However, it is absolutely critical that it is used strategically, with extreme caution, and in accordance with all the licence conditions that apply to it,” he said.