Animal poisonings on the rise in area
By SUSAN BROUSSARD Groves

As an animal advocate, I have been called too often with complaints of intentional animal poisonings.

This is a very common, but extremely cruel means, of destroying unwanted animals. Whether it is a neighbor's pet or homeless animals, poisoning (which is considered torture) is against the animal cruelty laws of Texas.

It is a state jail felony punishable by a maximum of two years state jail time and a $10,000 fine.

If you ever encounter this situation, immediately call your veterinarian, local animal control officer, and police/sheriff department.

The NAPCC (National Animal Poison Control Center) is a division of the ASPCA. They are available at all hours at 1-800-548- 2423 or 1-888-426-4435, but there is a charge. If you can prove, or have a suspicion that may be responsible for the poisoning, be sure the police/sheriff department does a thorough investigation. As difficult as it may be emotionally, it is important to take these steps.

If the animal is still alive, have blood drawn to determine what substance is in the system. If it has already died, a necropsy may be done (an autopsy for animals). If the source of poison (food, bowl, vomit, any suspected substance, etc.) is found, ask your veterinarian to send it to the Texas Veterinary Diagnostic Lab to be analyzed. This will be important information in getting possible charges filed on the perpetrator.

Depending on what kind of poisoning it is, these are some symptoms to watch for: drooling, muscle spasms, vomiting, staggering gait, labored breathing, shivering, panting, bleeding from orifices, swelling, convulsions, and coma.

The animal can suffer a painful and horrible death. In the case of antifreeze poisoning, you may notice a lack of coordination at first, followed by kidney failure. There is a safer, less toxic antifreeze on the market called Sierra, which uses propylene glycol. To find a retailer call 1-800-289-7234 or go to www.sierraantifreeze.com.

A secondary poisoning can happen when the animal consumes another animal (rat, bird, etc.) that has been poisoned. The symptoms may not appear for three-to-five days. You may notice nosebleeds, bloody urine or stools, bloody vomit, & hematomas.

If we must live with evil-natured souls who purposely inflict this kind of suffering on innocent creatures, the least we can do is use the tools we have to hold them responsible and stop the abuse. Please follow through when you suspect an animal may have been poisoned. We are the only help they may have.