By Natalie Gallenti
A SPATE of dog poisonings in Caroline Springs have left neighbours heartbroken and searching for answers.
Three families on the same street have lost their beloved pets after “cowards” threw meat, laced with rat poison, over their fence.
Earlier this month Paul Cortese returned home to find his beloved Jack Russell, Boston, in severe pain. After taking him to the vet the next day, where he was told the dog had food poisoning, Mr Cortese watched his little mate suffer for another three days, before he eventually passed away.
“On Wednesday when I got home from work, he looked lost, he wasn’t doing anything,” the distraught father said.
“I took him to the vet again and within a matter of minutes he was gone. His organs shut down and that was it.”
Fortunately his other dog Mason, who also consumed the tainted meat, was saved with a shot of vitamin K.
“He’s just pulling through now.”
And Mr Cortese wasn’t the only victim, two other families in the same street lost their treasured labrador and Staffordshire terriers in the same week. All were poisoned.
The animal lover said he still couldn’t understand why anyone would want to hurt his dogs. He was unaware of any complaints regarding his pets and described them as family friendly.
After contacting police and handing over the contaminated meat, Mr Cortese and his neighbours were told it may have been the work of would-be thieves, trying to destroy the dogs before robbing their homes.
“I can’t believe it. I never thought my dogs would have been poisoned.
“I don’t want to let Mason out into the backyard.
“Boston was my best mate, I have a tear in my eye just thinking about it now. I would play with him after work – I can’t replace him.”
Constable Shannon Watkins from Caroline Springs Police Station said the incident was being treated very seriously.
“Police patrols have increased in the area and we are seeking the public’s assistance,” Const Watkins said.
He warned the public to be mindful of any suspicious behaviour such as people or vehicles loitering in the area.
Mr Cortese also called on the public to help.
“They’ve destroyed a family, we’re heartbroken.
“They’re not just animals, he was part of the family. He was like a son to me.”
Police are asking for any person who witnessed anything suspicious in the area of the Western Highway off ramp leading to the Caroline Springs Blvd on 5 July, to contact him on 9361 2700 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
