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🇦🇺 Australia /Crime & Justice

Three pet dogs mourned after suspected baiting at popular walking spot

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Authorities are investigating the deaths of three pet dogs in Echuca, northern Victoria, after they allegedly ingested bait.
  • The dogs exhibited severe symptoms including seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea shortly after a walk in a popular local area.
  • The RSPCA is investigating the incident, with the family suspecting a deliberate and malicious act.

An investigation is underway into the sudden deaths of three pet dogs in the popular walking spot near the Murray River town of Echuca, northern Victoria. Yvette Height reported that her two dogs, along with a dog belonging to her brother, died suddenly on Monday, just hours after being walked by her husband in a grassy area near the Echuca Harness Racing Club.

We've been walking our dogs in this area on and off for the last 20-plus years … and never had any problem before so we're just absolutely devastated at what's happened.

— Yvette HeightYvette Height expresses her devastation and disbelief following the sudden deaths of her dogs.

"We've been walking our dogs in this area on and off for the last 20-plus years … and never had any problem before so we're just absolutely devastated at what's happened," Height told ABC Central Victoria Breakfast. Her husband noticed the dogs had something in their mouths during their walk, but concerns grew when her daughter found them in a "critically ill" state in the backyard hours later. The dogs suffered "seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea. Just very horrendous … absolutely traumatic for the both of them," Height recounted. Despite being rushed to a nearby vet clinic, it was too late; her dogs died within 15 minutes.

Seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea. Just very horrendous … absolutely traumatic for the both of them.

— Yvette HeightYvette Height describes the critical condition her dogs were in before they died.

Michelle Height, Yvette's sister, expressed the family's shock, describing the dogs as "very happy, healthy and just gorgeous dogs that would never hurt a flea. Completely innocent in all of this." The family did not opt for autopsies, but the vet suggested the symptoms and rapid decline were consistent with poisoning, possibly from fox bait or other restricted agricultural chemicals. Following social media posts warning other pet owners, five other dog owners have reportedly contacted the family about their pets falling ill after walking in the same area.

My dogs died on the vet floor within about 15 minutes … they didn't have a chance.

— Yvette HeightYvette Height recounts the rapid and fatal progression of her dogs' illness.

Echuca Harness Racing Club president Shane Gloury stated the club is concerned the deaths resulted from a "deliberate and malicious act," emphasizing that no club personnel were involved in placing any substances. The RSPCA has confirmed an active investigation is in progress. However, Ms. Height expressed frustration, noting that police referred the family to the RSPCA and suggesting that without a witness, achieving justice would be difficult, though she hoped police would still investigate.

It was just terrible, it was a real tragedy. The dogs were a real centre of our family.

— Michelle HeightMichelle Height describes the impact of the dogs' deaths on her family.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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