RSPCA WA issues dog baiting alert for Parmelia area

RSPCA WA has issued a warning to dog owners to be vigilant after a potentially life-threatening baiting incident was reported in Parmelia earlier this month.

A tennis ball containing a metal dart and unknown white powder was found in the backyard of a property on Parmelia Avenue and reported by the homeowner to the RSPCA on Saturday, March 16.

The incident is just one of 50 baiting-related reports in the State made to the RSPCA this year.

RSPCA WA chief inspector Amanda Swift said while dog baiting took many forms, it was “worrying” that animals were being targeted by ball tampering.

“Had a dog found the bait ball and bitten into it, the dog could have suffered severe injuries to its mouth from the sharp dart that had been implanted,” she said.

“We are not sure what the powder was but if it contained poison, it could have led to a slow, painful death for the dog.”

The warning comes after the RSPCA launched an investigation into a spate of dog-baiting incidents reported within a 1km-radius area in Port Kennedy around the new year, which resulted in the death of one family’s pet dachshund.

Ms Swift said baiting was a “severely painful” way for an animal to die and was not acceptable at any time.

“If you believe there is a nuisance dog in your neighbourhood, we urge you to talk to the owners first — they may not be aware that their dog is impacting on your life,” she said.

Kwinana police Senior Sergeant Anthony Thompson said baiting could also be potentially harmful to children, depending on how and where baits were placed.

It is a criminal offence to intentionally bait or poison an animal, with those found guilty facing a fine up to $50,000 or five years jail.