Owning a dog entails years of companionship and tail wagging, but it also comes with significant responsibilities and potential veterinary visits. Today, pet insurance is gaining popularity as a means to cover diagnostics and treatment costs when necessary. This option is particularly crucial for owners of sporting dogs prone to frequent injuries and breeds known for their health issues.

The first reports of a dog poisoner were submitted to Gazeta Wyborcza in May 2024. Since then, dog owners have discovered suspicious food, such as bread and meat dyed blue, in parks, gardens, and driveways. Dogs that consume the poisoned food endure horrific ordeals, with symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, and excessive salivation. In the village of Bogdaszowice, where the poisoner is currently active, ten dogs have died after consuming the poison.

Initially, residents of Bogdaszowice believed the dog poisonings were a diversion for burglary attempts, but no break-ins occurred. Village representative Weronika Wiertelak realised the extent of the problem after posting about the poisoned food on Facebook.

Wiertelak wrote: "I urge the residents of Bogdaszowice and the surrounding area to remain vigilant due to attempted dog poisonings. Unidentified dog food-like pellets were found on private property. After cleaning up the property, the harmful substance was spread again, and we believe it to be poisonous due to the dog's symptoms and strange behaviour (drooling, panting, etc.). If anyone notices this substance in their vicinity or observes unusual symptoms in their pet, please contact me."

Following her post, 12 people came forward to report that their dogs had been poisoned.

An online fundraiser has been launched to cover the costs of toxicology testing on the suspect food. Owners of poisoned animals wrote: "In Bogdaszowice, dogs have been dying from poisoning for several years. Until yesterday, no one had linked these incidents to deliberate poisoning. A discussion arose in an online neighbourhood group after residents reported finding suspicious food and a dog being poisoned. Messages revealed that 12 dogs from different parts of the village had died or fallen ill within 1.5 hours. To catch the poisoner, it is essential to prove their guilt. Therefore, we are raising funds to test samples of poisoned dogs and suspicious food found."

Source: Gazeta Wyborcza