Co Kildare dog owners urged to be vigilant after 7 dogs die from suspected poisoning on Curragh Plains

By Kim O'Leary 

Dog owners who walk their pets on The Curragh Plains are being urged to remain vigilant following the deaths of several dogs from suspected poisoning in recent weeks.

It is understood that in recent weeks dogs have become ill after walking near Rathbride Road on the Curragh Plains with 7 dogs reported to have died from suspected poisoning.

Meanwhile, a local vet has confirmed to KildareNow that they have seen an alarming number of dogs treated for suspected poisoning symptoms, which includes 'sudden, heavy panting' and 'an upset stomach.'

According to the vet, seven dogs have now died although it is not known what the poisonous agent is and dog owners are urged to monitor their pets.

One heartbroken owner said that his dog 'quickly became unwell' after a walk on the Curragh last weekend. "He was brought to the vet who said it looked like poisoning and he had to be put to sleep," he said.

Another concerned dog owner, who has lost two dogs to the suspected poisoning, said: "Our neighbour's dog is in the vets a week, trying to clear out the poison. My neighbour is a sheep farmer, he said 6 of his sheep were found poisoned on the Curragh too."

Meanwhile, Sinn Feinn Cllr Mark Lynch said that there were also reports last summer of dogs becoming unwell after walks on the Curragh. He said: "It highlights again the need for proper regulation and change to correctly manage this sensitive landscape and special area of conservation. It is totally unacceptable that family pets are being poisoned on public land and whoever is responsible should have a good look at themselves."

"A pet in many cases is part of the family. The Curragh Plains are a public area and poisoning wildlife or family pets is not acceptable. Again the department of defence (not the military) and the minister are accountable as they are allowing animals to be poisoned on public lands they mismanage," added Cllr Lynch.

Kildare County Council said that it could not comment on the matter. Gardaí in Newbridge said they  have not received any criminal complaints. The Department of Defence has been contacted for a statement and have not yet responded at the time of writing.