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Poison bait alarm: Several cats in Bernau affected

Poison bait alarm: Several cats in Bernau affected

  1. ovb-online-de
  2. Rosenheim
  3. Chiemgau region

Poison bait alarm: Several cats in Bernau affected
Unknown people have laid out poison bait in Bernau. Several cats were poisoned (symbolic images). © Collage: Hötzelsperger/picture Alliance/Florian Schuh/dpa | Florian Schuh

Big shock for cat owners in Bernau: several cats were poisoned over Christmas. What is known about the incidents and why those affected should definitely call the police.

By Anton Hötzelsperger and Manuel Hinmüller

Bernau – There is excitement in the community of Bernau during the Christmas holidays. Especially in the residential areas of Engelländerstrasse and Grabenfeldstrasse. Unknown people apparently laid out poison bait for rats and poisoned several cats.

One of the affected cats was able to choke out the gift, but no further damage to her is known yet. A second animal was no longer able to release the gift and has been suffering badly ever since. Residents and cat lovers have already started a survey in the neighborhood, but so far without success. “Now we want to warn in this way and, above all, inform cat owners that they should be alert and attentive” – said the cat owners who have previously been affected by the poison bait in their appeal to the public.

Incidents in Bernau not reported to the police

However, those affected have not yet contacted the responsible police in Prien, as a spokesman explained when asked on Friday afternoon (December 27th). There have been no other known incidents in the past few days. He also added that such incidents involving poison bait are isolated cases. It would happen from time to time, but in many cases.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes that reporting to the police is always the right step. In this way, a press report could be quickly published and other pet owners could be warned. It is also a criminal offense if someone harms other pets.

If this is the sad case, or if the bait is just found and the animal is prevented from ingesting it, the police can send samples to special laboratories, the Prien police spokesman said. There the bait is then examined for various substances.

An unknown person is being investigated. This is also where the difficulty lies. Perpetrators are difficult to identify. For example if the bait has been on the ground for a few days. “We rely on information from the public when it comes to something like this,” emphasizes the police spokesman.

Poison bait swallowed: This is what you should pay attention to

The animal protection organization Peta also advises notifying the police if poison bait is found or incidents occur. Otherwise, you should always keep a close eye on your animal companions. Dogs should also be trained not to do anything on walks using gentle training methods without punishment. “It is also advisable to avoid affected areas if possible or to keep your four-legged friends on a short leash, at least for the time being,” writes Peta.

Peta warns that if an animal – whether a dog or a cat – consumes poisonous bait, there is often great danger to their life. If signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, excessive panting, or staggering gait occur, pet owners should sound the alarm and seek veterinary attention quickly. Other symptoms can include cramps and even coma, bleeding, red eyes and shortness of breath. Owners are also advised to familiarize themselves with animal first aid and to collect any leftover poison bait or possibly vomit.