A St. James family is warning pet owners to inspect their properties, after their dog swallowed an entire package of rat poisoning.
Karli Romaniuk rescued her dog named Bullet from the Peguis First Nation two years ago. After eating the poison Friday, Bullet was rushed to the Pembina Veterinary Hospital, where he had to be put down.
Romaniuk says she thinks someone intentionally threw the rat poison package over a fence, on to her property.
“It was a bag ripped open, and thrown over the fence. It wasn’t dragged in, because the way it was. It was the bag open, with stuff around it,” said Romaniuk.
Romaniuk lives with her four kids in her St. James home. She says she uses the backyard on a daily basis, to enjoy fresh air with her children, and her dogs. But now, she says she is hesitant, to enjoy that time this summer.
“I’m scared to let my kids in the yard, because I don’t want them picking anything up. It’s changed day to day life for sure.”
The Pembina Veterinary Hospital says this situation, is unfortunately not a unique one. Veterinarian Karen Choptain says this isn’t the first time a dog like Bullet has come in to emergency. She says families need to be watchful for dangers to their pets, especially something like rat poison.
“These products are meant to kill, that’s what they’re meant for. Not a lot needs to be ingested, and if enough is ingested, it is life threatening,” said Choptain.
Romaniuk says this isn’t the first time rat poison has been found on her property. She found a similar bag in her yard just over two years ago. And she adds, the entire neighbourhood is beginning to feel on edge.
“They’re all out now searching their yards. It kind of messed with everyone in the neighbourhood.”
