FEARS that dogs are being deliberately poisoned have surfaced again this week after to more dogs died on a popular walking route in O’Briensbridge.
Concerns were raised last weekend as messages were shared throughout social media when reports emerged that two dogs died as a result of poisoning.
Two Limerick dog owners brought their pets on the Loop Walk last Friday.
During their walk and while always remaining on their leads, the dogs became seriously ill.
It has been reported that one of the dogs seemed to have a seizure before their owners left and rushed to get a vet.
However, the second dog became seriously ill also and both died before a vet could be called.
The incident has sparked fears for dog owners and caused great upset for the two friends.
Poisoning has been suspected and gardai are investigating.
O’Briens Bridge resident, Lorraine McCarthy posted on her facebook page last Friday night “To whoever or whatever was responsible for poisoning and killing my dog and another innocent dog this morning you have left us devastated.
“I just want to warn everyone do not take your dog for walks on the Loop walk in O’Brien’s Bridge, even on a lead.
“Rocky was on his lead the whole time when this happened and this is not the first time a dog has died here.
“I’d hate anyone else to go through what happened to us to lose your family pet in such a cruel way is just terrible.”
Ms McCarthy’s social media post has drawn huge reaction from locals who have shared her message with thousands.
The local community is “outraged” says O’Brien’s Bridge community group chairman Mick Murtagh.
“There is no excuse for poison to be put on that walk,” says Mr Murtagh, adding that whatever substance the dogs ingested must be “lethal”.
“If it was purposefully put there, it’s sinister.”
Ardnacrusha gardai launched an investigation last September when they received reports of dogs dying after ingesting sausage meat which was laced with poison.
The meat had been scattered on canal walks between Clonlara and Ardnacrusha, along the Clare/Limerick border.
Again, gardai are looking in to the latest developments.
