IPOH: In the last six months, a total of 12 stray dogs have died from suspected poisoning near a row of shoplots at the Lahat Mines here.

       In the latest incident that occured yesterday, four dead dogs were found with blackened tongues and oozing blood from their mouths.

       Earlier in February, eight stray dogs were also believed to have been poisoned there.

       Gurdip Singh, who regularly feeds the stray animals in the area, said the carcasses were found by his friend at about 8am.

       “I went there at about 8.30am and found the dead dogs with blood coming out from their mouths and their tongues blackened.

       “I am certain that the dogs have been poisoned,” he said.

       “About 17 strays were found dead in the same area in May last year,” he added.

       Incidents of suspected dog poisoning have been quite rampant in the city.

       About 20 dogs were also suspected to have been poisoned near the Tasik Cermin Eco Park in Gunung Rapat here in February.

       Gurdip said he has lodged a police report on the matter.

       “I really hope the police and the Veterinary Services Department will take stern action on this.

       “This is the second incident this year and the third since May last year. It is happening too regularly,” he said.

       He also said that the stray dogs were believed to be from the Papan landfill where dogs captured by the Ipoh City Council were dumped.

       “The city council should consider fencing up the area where they dump the dogs,” he added.

       Another feeder, Paramjit Singh, said the relevant authorities need to take the issue more seriously.

       Paramjit said many NGOs are willing to work with the authorities.

       “Most of us are using our own money to feed the dogs and neuter them,” he said.

       “We all want to do something positive to help the strays,” he added.

       State Veterinary Services Department director Dr Ahmad Shafri Hassan said the report on the latest incident has been received by the department.

       Dr Ahmad Shafri said the carcasses collected yesterday were still fit for sample gathering, compared to those that were collected from the first incident.

       “The carcasses from the first incident were not conducive as the dogs had died for more than 24 hours.

       “Results from the laboratory for the first case were negative as no poisons were detected from the samples,” he said, adding that a total of three reports have been received about suspected dog poisoning incidents in the area.

       “We will check, do sampling and investigate the latest incident,” he added.