Veterinarian, Doctor Jes­sica Hoopes says the use of paraquat to poison dogs is the most common form of animal cruelty in Fiji.

This is in light of the alarming number of dog poisoning cases in Savusavu recently.

Animals Fiji, a local animal char­ity group, issued a warning on Tuesday after dogs were poisoned with the popular herbicide para­quat.

Herbicide paraquat, a chemical, when ingested, results in a painful death for the animal.

“There is no antidote to this hor­rid herbicide,” Animal Fiji’s Face­book page read.

“Again, we stress that once a dog has had paraquat and is starting to show symptoms, there is noth­ing else that can be done for them but to put them out of their slow and painful misery,” it said.

The warning identified reports of dogs dying in the Qorovaga, Walu, Kuladrusi and Naseva areas in Savusavu.

Dr Hoopes said reports of dog poisoning received this year on social media platforms and by animal groups were estimated to number in the thousands.

Under the Crimes Decree of 2009, the maximum prison sentence for acts of animal cruelty is five years.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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