The image attached to this update is the most heartbreaking comment about my village I have had on my Facebook postings so far, for which there have been hundreds. We should not have to go through this or fear this much for the safety of our beloved animal family members, despite doing all we can to protect them. I am now terrified when my dog who was poisoned manages to sneak past me and our front gates, and just walk in the area in front our home.

I have made this petition location-less as this is an issue that effects us all globally. 

We often feel helpless and disheartened that justice is difficult to serve without solid evidence and eye witness statements. However it is mandatory that wherever you are, ALL crimes against animals, stray and owned must be reported to the police. Take a vet report, photos of your/the animal and demand a report be written. Demand that the accused are warned about their criminal activity. 

THE POISONING OF ANIMALS IS ILLEGAL AND THE CHARGES ARE MONETARY FINES OR IMPRISONMENT. 

You must report this crime regardless of the fact you feel that not much could be done. I am determined to ensure this feeling changes, but we can only do this together. 

Thanks to the advice of someone on Facebook I reported the crime. The Police Officers have assured me they will attend the premises of the accused over the next few days to issue warnings, and gave me advice to visit the Department of Agriculture as they have more jurisdiction over the land in and surrounding my village. Where I live the shepherds poison animals to protect their livestock from feral stray dogs without fear because they know they need to be caught to be arrested. They will now know that we are watching them and just because this is how it has been done, does not mean that this is how it shall be. It is unsafe and unethical to lay poison in uncontrolled ways. Here they lace food with it and place it in public areas that are accessible to all of us including children.

People also take it upon themselves to purposely poison stray and owned cats to control the population. They have options to take cats to local rescue centres but instead they choose to use lazy and inhumane ways to kill them. Too many people have lost too many of their pets by this disgusting and cruel action.

This week I will also be canvassing my village with an in person petition, talking to those who have been personally effected by this issue and meeting someone who was part of a huge movement 10 years ago that managed to stop the poisonings in another local area.

Thank you to all who are donating, signing and sharing this petition. It means the world to me, my dogs and all those who have been deeply effected by this type of crime.

I will post another update soon.

Love, M and the doggies xx