One dog is currently in the vet’s care undergoing treatment for poison ingestion.
A veterinary surgery in Clifden, County Galway has issued a warning to anyone walking their dog in the area following the discovery of poisoned bait found in a popular dog walking spot.
The warning was issued by Western Veterinary Clinic and was regarding the Alcock and Brown landing site which is between Clifden and the town of Ballyconnelly.
The site is named after the successful non-stop transatlantic flight was achieved by British aviators John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown in June 1919. The two flew a modified First World War Vickers Vimy bomber from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Clifden, where they crash landed in Derrygimla Bog.
The area has been redeveloped in recent years and has become a popular site for tourists to stop along on the Wild Atlantic Way as well as locals to stretch their legs.
On Monday night, Western Veterinary took to Facebook to share information on their findings.
“Warning to anybody who walks at the Alcock & Brown Memorial in Derrigimlagh please do not walk your dog off the lead,” the post read.
“We are currently treating a dog who is known to have eaten poisoned bait there today. This dog was always close by her owner, never out of sight but it only took a couple of seconds for her to eat these sausages that were placed next to the footpath.
“These sausages were laced with poison that is known to kill foxes and dogs, do not take any chances of walking in this area.”
The toxins in the bait stop the blood from clotting, which causes internal bleeding and can be fatal. However, if the animal is brought to the vets quickly, then treatment can save the animal – but it will take several weeks of medication.
For those who think their dog may have been poisoned, the only thing you should do is to bring your animal to the vet.
Under no circumstances initiate vomiting. This is still seen as a household remedy against poisoning, but the inherent dangers way exceed any potential benefit in this instance. You should also not attempt to neutralise the toxic substance – you may do your dog even more harm that way.
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