THE RSPCA is calling for witnesses to come forward after a spate of animal poisonings, with more than 40 reports of animals being baited over the past six months.
The request comes only two months after Collie man Aaron Giles spoke to the Collie Mail about his fear that his dog may have been deliberately poisoned.
Mr Giles said his family could do nothing but watch as his dog ran into fences and walls, suffered fits and diarrhoea for a short time before he died on the night of April 2 this year
Mr Giles said the dog's symptoms were identical to those of a dog he had previously seen die after eating a 1080 fox bait.
Yesterday the RSPCA received another report of a dog being poisoned in a residential home in Roleystone.
This comes after the owners' other dog died from poisoning just four weeks earlier.
"Poisoning animals can lead to a slow and agonising death. It is a specific offence under the Animal Welfare Act and if a person is caught and prosecuted for this offence, they can face a penalty of up to $50,000 and five years in prison," chief inspector Amanda Swift said.
People who suspect their pet may have been poisoned are advised by the RSPCA to take their pet to the nearest vet.
To report instances of animal cruelty, contact the RSPCA on 1300 CRUELTY.
