FURTHER DOG VICTIMS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 5, 14 March 1947, Page 5

FURTHER DOG VICTIMS

POISONING AT KOPEOPEO GROWING DANGER TO CHILDREN The saddist who has caused so much of a stir at Kopeopeo by the deliberate poisoning of some twenty dogs has apparently not ceased his activities for last evening we received reports of two fresh cases of strychnine poisoning from freshly laid raw meat bait.

Whilst everybody will roundly condemn the deliberate poisoning of the unfortunate dogs there is a serious and growing concern regarding the danger to children several of whom have now discovered the baits and handled them. Some have been actually taken to school and shown to teachers. When it is realised that on each of the baits examined and analysed there has been sufficient strychnine to kill six men, the real menace to young children can be fully appreciated. The poisoner is quite callous as to where he throws the prepared raw meat, slices of which have been found on roadways, pavements, under hedges and on private lawns. Parents cannot be blamed for feeling the gravest concern and a fataality through such a cause would start an enquiry which might result in a first class scandal.

The surprising feature of the present crop of poisonings, is its duration. In previous years the person responsible has been satisfied with a few days for his nefarious activities. This year his brutal campaign has already been extended nearly a month, and there is no indication as to when it will cease.