My dog and I love spending time at Meola Reef, our local dog park; a beautiful haven for dog owners and their four-legged friends. However, an unsuspecting danger lurks within this paradise - Karaka trees and their poisonous berries.

My dog unwittingly ingested one of these berries, leading to a panic-stricken rush to the emergency vet. Lucky for us, the vet managed to eject the poisonous berry in time, thus averting disaster. It's clear now that Karaka berries pose a grave risk to our beloved pets. Karaka trees are native to New Zealand, and their bright orange berries appear deceptively harmless. However, to dogs, ingesting these berries can lead to dangerous neurological effects, including weakness, confusion, seizures, and even coma.

Furthermore, there is no known antidote for Karaka poisoning, leaving induced vomiting as the sole recourse in many cases. We cannot risk the well-being of our dogs by allowing these trees to persist in places meant for their joy and recreation. There are countless stories of pet owners unaware of the perils these trees hold, resulting in unnecessary distress and potential tragedy.

We have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to prevent these frightful encounters. Our efforts can ensure that parks in our community remain safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs. We implore those responsible to remove all Karaka trees from dog parks, thereby keeping our pets safe from this life-threatening danger.

The wellbeing of our beloved pets is at stake here. Sign this petition and join us in calling for the removal of all Karaka trees from dog parks. Save a dog's life today; your signature can make that difference.