‘Foaming at the mouth’: Chihuahua death sparks fears among Melbourne dog owners

A Chihuahua has died from a suspected baiting incident on a suburban Melbourne street.

This is contributing to a growing number of reports of baiting in the area as dog owners are advised to be extra vigilant when walking their pets.

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Council investigates dog bait claims in Melbourne after Chihuahuas die.

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Local dog owners say they are now working with Victoria Police and Council to investigate the baiting claims, while warning others of potential target areas.

Armadale, Como Park, Fawkner Park, Prahran Square, Phoenix Square are flagged as areas of concern in a Stonnington Community Facebook group alert posted by local dog owners who have collected reports of suspected baiting.

Stonnington Council told 7NEWS.com.au: “In response to recent concerns from members of the community about the possible presence of dog bait, Council is taking the extra precaution of erecting signs in and around popular dog walking areas.”

One of Rose Van Bakel’s four Chihuahuas was killed in a suspected dog-baiting incident last week.

Bambi, a chocolate brown Chihuahua, was just days away from his 4th birthday.

“He ate poison on the natural strip,” Van Bakel said in a social media post.

“Even though it was removed from his mouth in no time, he started drooling and foaming at the mouth.

“Within half an hour I took him to the hospital and he died.

“He ended up going deaf and blind, completely brain dead from the poison, and he ended up dying in my arms. It was just a shocking situation.”

She said Bambi’s death impacted her other three dogs.

“They saw him in so much pain they don’t want to walk at all and they don’t eat,” she said.

“More people have to be very careful. I thought I was being very careful as I am fully aware of the bait in the area but it just happens way too fast.

“I pulled as much as I could out of his mouth, but since he’s such a small dog, it still killed him.

“He was honestly my baby, no words can describe how I feel. I’m so shattered.

“It’s his birthday in three days, he would have been four years old. Nothing can prepare you for loss, especially when you are so young.

“It is devastating and has been going on for many months. But for a little Chihuahua, he never stood a chance.

“He was so sweet and beautiful.”

Bambi is one of three dogs reported to have died from baiting in Melbourne, according to local sources.

A spokesman for the City of Stonington told 7NEWS.com.au: “The Council takes all reports of suspicious baiting seriously and is rigorously testing all suspicious items collected from its parks and reserves.

“While actual cases of dog baiting are very rare, the City of Stonnington encourages dog owners to be vigilant and ensure dogs do not pick up foreign material when walking.”

“Don’t Throw Away Bait”

Local dog owners have urged the local community to be aware of the bait.

“We all have to assume that all dog parks and many streets contain poisoned bait. They are advised that off-leash exercise is unsafe,” read a Facebook group warning from the Stonnington Community.

“Consider getting your dog a muzzle.

“It has also been suggested that a dog in Armadale was recently poisoned on its own property – poison that may have been dumped in a front yard.”

A dog lover posted on social media that she spoke to Victoria Police about the bait reports and advised: “Please do not throw the bait in the bin. Take it to the police as they kept the last of the bait as evidence.”

Stonnington City Council advised dog owners to exercise extra caution when walking their dogs.

“This is a timely reminder to keep a close eye on your dog and not let him eat anything on the floor,” a social media post said.

“If you are concerned your dog has eaten anything suspicious contact your veterinarian immediately or if you suspect baiting contact us or VicPol.”

The St Kilda Veterinary Clinic also issued a social media warning to pet owners.

“We ask our customers to be extra vigilant when walking their dogs in local parks and to report any sightings of bait or cases of dog poisoning in the community (providing time, location and photographic evidence where possible) “, it was said .

An e-petition has been launched in hopes of introducing tougher penalties for those found guilty of hate speech.

It aims to highlight a “need for tougher penalties for those found guilty of placing toxic substances in public places to harm animals or other living beings”.