By Alesha Capone
A dog owner has warned others to watch their pets after finding baited meat at a popular dog-walking site in Hoppers Crossing last month.
Justin Beasley said he saw the meat, which looked like fresh steak with something inserted into it, near Skeleton Creek, at a grassed area close to Old Geelong Road, on October 25.
Mr Beasley said the baited meat was scattered in five or six places at the site, including under trees.
“It really upset me,” he said.
“I don’t know who would do that, I really don’t.
“I’ve been walking there for years, and I’ve never seen anything like that.”
Mr Beasley said his Jack Russell puppy, Hoodie, licked some of the meat before he could stop him.
In the days afterwards, 18-month-old Hoodie vomited a few times, but a vet gave him the all clear.
Mr Beasley said he felt guilty for not picking up the baited meat but he was worried about Hoodie after he licked the meat and wanted to get him home.
Hoodie sometimes accompanies Mr Beasley, who runs All-Liner Linemarking in Hoppers Crossing, out on jobs.
Mr Beasley said that he did take photos of the baited meat which have since been posted on Wyndham community-based Facebook groups, to warn other dog-walkers.
A Wyndham council spokesperson said the council had not received any recent reports of alleged dog baiting.
“Wyndham City would like to take this opportunity to remind dog owners that when they are walking their dog, whether in an off-lead area or not, to always have good recall command with their dog,” the spokesperson said.
“Do not let your dog eat anything off the ground. This will keep them from eating something they should not.”
“If your dog has eaten something you are concerned about, please seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.”
The spokesperson said dog baiting should be reported to the RSPCA on 9224 2222.
