'We're heartbroken': Winnipeg family's dog dies after being poisoned
A Winnipeg family is in mourning after their beloved dog died from a suspected intentional poisoning.
Ginger was part of Tannis Snyder's life for nearly eight years, but her life was cut short.
"We're heartbroken. We're devastated. I want my dog back," said Snyder.
In early April, Snyder said Ginger started acting strange, so she brought her to a veterinarian.
"She wouldn't eat, so we brought her in. She was in really rough shape. She ended up spending a couple nights out in Stonewall and they took such good care of her, and she came home, and she just couldn't hold food."
After a few trips back and forth to try and figure out what was wrong, it was determined through testing that Ginger had consumed rodent poison.
Tannis Snyder's dog Ginger had to be put dog on July 10, after it was believed Ginger was intentionally poisoned with rat poison. (Source: Tannis Snyder)
Tannis Snyder's dog Ginger had to be put down on July 10, after it was believed Ginger was intentionally poisoned with rat poison. (Source: Tannis Snyder)
"We were just shocked. Utterly shocked," said Snyder. "Where the heck would we get mouse poison? I don't have it in my home. I never buy it, and it just didn't make any sense. We were just all confused, going, 'How did this happen? How could this happen?'"
Ginger had to be put down on July 10. It's believed the poisoning was thrown into the backyard of their Minto area home.
Another dog in that same neighbourhood was also poisoned, according to the Winnipeg Police Service, though that dog recovered. Police said the rodent poison was contained in a plastic bag which was thrown into their yards.
"The troubling part is the way some of these rodenticides work, they can be anticoagulants that can take three to five days before there's any obvious symptoms," said Dr. Ron Worb with the Anderson Animal Hospital and Wellness Center.
He noted some early symptoms may include breathing rapidly, some coughing, and being lethargic.
"As this goes on further, and it goes from internal bleeding to external bleeding, they could vomit with blood in their vomit, they may have bloody feces, they could have swollen joints that are getting filled up with blood, or they start to bruise easily."
Dr. Worb said the sooner you can bring your pet in, the better it is for treatment. He also said it's important to let your veterinarian know if you believe your pet may have consumed poison, so the appropriate steps can be taken.
After Snyder found out her dog had been poisoned, she warned her neighbours to be on the lookout. She's also urging all Winnipeggers—not just those living in the Minto area—to keep an eye on their pets and their backyards.
"If my dog's death can raise awareness of this happening to somebody else, then we could save somebody the pain and loss that we've endured, then it's not for nothing," she said.
Police are encouraging pet owners to report any suspicious circumstances that involve their pet consuming a poisonous substance in their yard, and to immediately seek medical attention for the animal.
Cruelty to animals, which includes intentional poisonings, is a criminal code offence. Those found guilty could spend up to five years in prison or be fined up to $10,000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.