GEORGE TOWN: The death toll on dog poisoning cases here has gone up with a death as recent as last week.
An 18-month-old Belgian Malinois was the most recent to have died in Tanjung Bungah on July 19 after being found convulsing on the floor by its owners.
This comes after residents in a posh residential area in Tanjung Bungah said there were deaths of some 27 dogs, including a Siberian husky, due to suspected poisoning a few weeks ago.
It was reported that the 27 dogs, mostly trap-neuter-release strays and the pet husky, in the Tanjung Bungah area were believed to have been poisoned over the past few months.
The carcasses of the dogs were been found by feeders in several areas in the last few months.
Dead birds were said to have been found dead in the area as well.
It was believed that either the grass in the area was laced with poison or someone was placing poison-laced food in the park.
A police report regarding the poisoning has been lodged.
Penang Veterinary Services Department (DVS) has urged those who believe their dog has been poisoned to inform them immediately so that an investigation can be carried out promptly.
State DVS director Dr Saira Banu Rejab said the department was still pursuing the matter although earlier investigations found no evidence of poisoning.
"During the incident, DVS was not informed until a week later.
"We sent a team down to investigate but could not find carcasses to send for testing.
"If there is such an incident and a dog dies we need to extract a sampling to investigate.
"If we cannot get the samples, it will not be possible to check for poison," she said when contacted.
Dr Saira said that they have a team on standby and will act immediately if any carcasses are found again.
"We have provided our contact, we need the cooperation of the residents to be our eyes and ears.
"Call us immediately if you see something amiss and we will take action.
"We have in the meantime taken river and water sampling that have been sent to the Chemistry Department as our lab is a disease and diagnostic lab.
"We are awaiting those results but it would help us if there was a dog carcass," she said.
Dr Saira said they (DVS) have collected samples of dead crows found in that area as well for testing.
