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poisoner returned?
Recent reports of dog poisonings in the area raise fears that the infamous dog poisoner has returned, writes Callum Wiggins.
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An SPCA inspector puts up warning posters on Bowen Road.
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ecent cases of dog poisonings on Bowen Road and the surrounding area have raised fears that the infamous Bowen Road dog poisoner may have returned. Over 200 dogs and an unknown number of cats and wild animals have been poisoned in the area since cases were first reported in the early 1990’s, according to the SPCA. Recent reports of dogs becoming ill after walking along the stretch of road have prompted many on social media to claim that dogs are being targeted once again. Although patrols by the SPCA’s inspectorate team are sporadically conducted during the night, nobody has thus far been caught and linked to the crimes. Hong Kong resident Bianca Patzschke was recently looking after two rescue dogs, Jasper and Jade, while their owners were abroad. After enjoying some drinks with a friend in the outdoor seating area of Stone Nullah Tavern in Wan Chai with the dogs earlier that evening, Patzschke was woken at 3am by the sound of one of the dogs crying out in pain. “At first I thought Jade was having a crazy
dream so I tried to snap her out of it”, she explained. “But then I realised she was having a very strong seizure.” Despite rushing the dog to the vet, Jade passed away after emergency treatment did not work. Another tragic turn of events was to follow as, after returning home and taking Jasper for a short walk before returning to bed, Patzschke was again woken by a dog in discomfort. “At 8.30am I heard a noise as Jasper was scratching at the door. I got up to comfort him before seeing the familiar signs of pain I had witnessed in Jade just a few hours earlier.” Jasper subsequently passed away a few hours later. “I am convinced that the dogs were poisoned by something that they found on the street”, said Patzschke. “No animal should ever have to suffer like they did”. A police report wasn’t filed after the incident. Visible symptoms displayed by dogs who have ingested poison include vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, convulsions and breathing difficulties. These initial symptoms can quickly lead to
collapse and death. The Hong Kong Dog Rescue Facebook page was alight with activity last month as posters expressed their outrage over yet more poisoning cases in the area as well as an outpouring of grief for the dogs and their owner. “I used to walk my dog on Bowen Road”, one said. “But I don’t anymore because of the infamous poisoning incidents”. Many others voiced disbelief that the police have still not managed to catch the culprits. Long-time Hong Kong residents will likely remember news of Chris Patten’s dog, Whiskey, being poisoned after eating contaminated chicken found on Bowen Road. Thankfully the last governor of Hong Kong’s dog made a full recovery, however, the culprit was never found. Dog walkers in the area are advised to leash their dogs and keep away from the sides of the road where the baited food is often left. Basket muzzles can also be used to prevent anything from being picked up and eaten. In the meantime, the hunt for the Bowen Road dog poisoner continues. M