12/09/2026
THEY POISON THE DOG FIRST.
Before a break-in, criminals often go for the one thing standing between them and your family: your dog. Poisoned bait — usually Aldicarb ("Two-step"), hidden in meat — is thrown over the wall at night. It works within minutes, and there is no antidote (NSPCA).
Prevention is the only real defence. Do these five things this week:
Dogs sleep inside. Most poisonings happen at night. The NSPCA recommends keeping pets indoors after dark, or splitting the yard so dogs stay in a rear zone outsiders can't reach (NSPCA).
Sweep the yard before they go out. Every morning, walk the fence line and driveway. Look for meat, packets, or small black granules that look like poppy seeds — that's Aldicarb. Never touch it with bare hands; it absorbs through the skin (NSPCA).
Harden the perimeter. Locked gates, beams, lighting and cameras covering the fence line and driveway.
Secure all food. Pet food, bowls and bins indoors or locked away — never left out overnight (Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services).
Know the signs. Heavy salivation or foaming, vomiting and diarrhoea, muscle tremors or twitching, seizures, weakness and collapse, laboured breathing (Greenside Veterinary Hospital).
If you suspect poisoning: get to a vet immediately and phone ahead so they can prepare. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a vet instructs you (Greenside Veterinary Hospital). Poisoning is a crime — report it to SAPS and ask them to remove any remaining bait from your property (NSPCA).
Save the graphic. Write your vet's after-hours number on the fridge tonight — not when your dog is already convulsing.
SAPS 10111 | Poison Helpline 0861 555 777 | Duma Tactical Control Room: 010 500 1015
Share this with your street group. One neighbour who checks their yard in the morning can save more than one dog.
Safer families. Safer homes. Stronger community.
