Four rissoles suspected to be ‘bait balls’ were discovered at Commonwealth Park. Photo: Supplied.
Pet owners have been advised to keep a watch for potential toxins following a reported discovery of suspected “bait balls” in a Canberra park.
An alert was first issued via social media on 28 April.
“WARNING!! Commonwealth Park suspected bait balls all around the park in the form of raw meat rissoles,” the post stated.
“Please keep an eye out and keep dogs on leads! Can’t be sure [if they contain poison] but I wouldn’t take the risk.
“Four have been found so far and binned by the gentleman that found them.”
Bait balls can be slug pellets or rat poison embedded in meat.
The National Capital Authority is responsible for the park and a spokesperson has confirmed it had received a report.
“The NCA arranged for an inspection of the area on the day and did not find any suspected bait balls,” they said.
“This is the first time the NCA has received such reports.
“For safety reasons, we encourage visitors to the Park to be on the lookout and ensure children and pets are supervised at all times.”
The NCA occasionally manages the number of rabbits on national land, stating that any pest control activities are carried out in a controlled manner and in accordance with relevant rules and guidelines.
“The sighting of the suspected bait balls is not related to any of NCA’s pest control management activities.”
The ACT Government has also never had a confirmed report of bait balls on ACT-managed parks or reserves.
An Access Canberra spokesperson said while reports sometimes “circulate on social media”, the incidents had never been verified.
When asked by Region if suspected bait balls could be the result of government programs to target pest animals, the spokesperson said the public would be made aware if baits were being used in the area.
“These baits are used in strict accordance with pesticide restrictions, including rules that baits that would harm a domestic dog, such as fox baits, cannot be used in built-up areas,” they said.
“Warning signs are posted at the entrance of parks and reserves when baiting programs are in place.
“Baiting is used in areas of Namadgi National Park for dingo/wild dog control, [and] domestic animals are not permitted in these areas.”
Substantiated or not, actual poisons aren’t the only toxins that can harm dogs.
RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson pointed out there are several plants and household items that can also be dangerous.
“There are plants that could be toxic to dogs and cats, such as hydrangea, peace lily, tulips and daffodils. Please consult your vet or do research so that you are familiar with a full list,” she said.
“Some household food items such as raisins, chocolate, avocado, onion, grapes, mushrooms and garlic can also be toxic to dogs and cats.”
Innocently discarded items in public spaces can also pose a threat, and the community is asked to be mindful of what they leave behind.
“Dogs are naturally curious and, in some cases, may consume discarded items and food products, which could lead to disastrous outcomes for your pet. The same applies to some wildlife,” Ms Robertson said.
“It’s important to clean up after picnics and BBQs within our parks and shared spaces as spoiled food, including meat, can contain harmful bacteria, toxins or moulds which can cause food poisoning.”
Clinical signs of poisoning in animals vary widely, depending on the specific toxin or poison and the individual animal.
However, common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, loss of appetite and changes in behaviour.
Other potential signs include difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, pale gums and, in some cases, excessive thirst or urination.
Individuals who discover suspected bait balls are advised not to handle them, but to contact the relevant authorities.
“If you suspect an instance of attempted deliberate poison by any means, please contact Domestic Animal Services, the police or RSPCA ACT via official channels,” Ms Robertson said.
It is an offence to attempt to deliberately poison any animal, including wildlife.
If you suspect that harmful baits or poisons have been found on ACT land, you can report the sighting to Access Canberra on 13 22 81. The NCA can be informed about potential hazards on Commonwealth Land at estate.enquiries@nca.gov.au.
