Shire confirms five dogs poisoned on two streets, killing three

The RSPCA is investigating a spate of dog poisonings in Western Australia's Gascoyne, after five pets became unwell and three died.The Shire of Carnarvon, 900 kilometres north of Perth, confirmed the five dogs were poisoned on two streets within the town."Sadly, three of those dogs found in Morgan Way passed away," Shire of Carnarvon executive manager Stefan Louw said.Phoenix one of the lucky onesCarnarvon dog owner Melinda Sattell recalls the heartbreaking moment she realised her four-legged family member Phoenix had been poisoned in their own backyard."She started foaming at the mouth and at this point we went 'she's been baited'," Ms Sattell said.On the way to the vet, Phoenix was barely conscious and when they arrived Ms Sattell was told her dog only had minutes left to live.Melinda Sattell says since the poisoning Phoenix is now scared to travel in the car and be out around new people. (ABC Pilbara/Rachel Hagan)"It was heartbreaking. Your best friend is in your arms, and you may not be able to save them," she said."It's not fair on the dogs or the families who go through it, it's very hard to explain to a child why their dog suddenly isn't well and may die."Ms Sattell said the family was rocked by the incident that happened at their own property but thankful Phoenix was able to make a full recovery."We thought she was just playing with her tennis ball but it wasn't a tennis ball, she had eaten something she had found in the corner of the yard," she said.She said Phoenix had consumed a poisoned sausage, and within about 20 minutes of eating the meat began to shake.Warning for dog ownersThe incidents occurred in late August and at the time, Carnarvon's Coral Coast Veterinary Hospital posted on social media warning others about the suspected poisoning.The veterinary hospital had treated five pets from three different households that had symptoms of organophosphate poisoning within 48 hours.The post advised residents to look out for hypersalivation, constricted pupils, shaking and diarrhoea.Coral Coast Veterinary Hospital has urged pet owners to be vigilant after the suspected baiting. (ABC Pilbara:Rachel Hagan)Mr Louw said dogs should be kept on a leash outside and owners should be wary of what they are sniffing or eating off the ground.The RSPCA confirmed it is investigating.Lasting tollFor Phoenix's family her recovery has been miraculous, but has also come at a cost of about $3,000.Ms Sattell said it had set her family back six months financially."I would never part with my pets unless I was that broke that there was no funds available," she said."I am just lucky to have a stable job," she said.If the perpetrator is found, Ms Sattell said they should be forced to repay all of the victims' vet bills and compensation for the stress it caused to owners.Phoenix is on the road to recovery and getting back to her busy life of long walks and burying bones. (ABC Pilbara: Rachel Hagan)"Now my dogs don't go into my backyard without someone with them, and they are on leads at all times," she said."I previously thought my backyard was safe for my dogs, but I've been proven wrong."