The Silent Victims of Crime
For many South African families, dogs are protectors, companions, and part of the home's first line of defence.
But criminals know that too. And that's exactly why they target them.
Each year, hundreds of dogs, especially large breeds like German Shepards, Rottweilers, and Boerboels, are deliberately poisoned before a planned break-in. It's a cold, calculated tactic that removes the very obstacle that keeps intruders out.
The result? Heartbreak for families and a devastating sense of vulnerability that often lingers long after the incident.
Why Criminals Poison Dogs
Criminals don't see dogs as family, they see them as alarms and threats.
Silencing that alarm quickly and quietly becomes part of their strategy.
The most common method is two-step poisoning, involving:
- Baiting: Meat or treats laced with an initial substance to entice and partially immobilise the dog.
- The Second Toxin: Often Aldicarb which rapidly attacks the nervous system.
It's fast, cheap, and tragically effective. Which is why it remains a preferred method for criminals.
Warning Signs of a Targeted Property
While poisoning is often sudden, some criminal prepare in advance, studying routines and testing boundaries.
Here's what to look out for:
- Strange food items or meat thrown over the wall or near gates.
- Dogs barking at the same unfamiliar spot repeatedly.
- Loitering vehicles or individuals watching your property.
- Dogs refusing food unexpectedly.
- Sudden changes in barking patterns (overly quiet, lethargic, or restless at night).
Trust your instincts and never assume your area is safe.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe
You can't control what criminals do, but you can make their jobs harder.
Change Feeding Habits
Feed your dogs indoors or at unpredictable times. Criminals often rely on routine feeding schedules.
Inspect Your Yard Daily
Look for strange foods, plastic packets, or anything out of place. Keep grass trimmed near walls where bait could be hidden.
Use Separate Zones
If possible, keep guard dogs inside a secondary fenced area at night, away from direct street access.
Install Motion-Sensor Lights and Cameras
Poisoners prefer darkness. Even a cheap motion light near feeding areas can act as a deterrent.
Warn Your Community
If you find poisoned bait or suspicious behaviour, alert neighbours and community security groups immediately. Poisoners rarely target just one home.
Keep a PawShield Kit Within Reach
If the unthinkable happens, time is critical. A Pawshield emergency poisoning kit helps stabilise your dog while you rush to the vet, because every second counts.
In the Event of Suspected Poisoning
- Act immediately. Move your dog to a clean, shaded area.
- Call your nearest vet or SPCA.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet instructs you. Some poisons cause more damage on the way up.
- Use your emergency kit if guided to do so, it's designed for immediate stabilisation, not full treatment.
Remember: acting fast can be the difference between life and death.
Your Dog's Best Defence Is You
Criminals target dogs because they know how loyal, and how brave, they are. But loyalty alone can't protect them.
Your awareness, vigilance, and preparedness can.
By taking a few preventative steps, and keeping a PawShield kit nearby, you're not only protecting your dog, but your home, your peace of mind, and the bond that makes dogs man's best friend.
