Suspected baiting: Geraldton families devastated after four dogs in Moresby die in similar circumstances

An investigation has started following the death of four beloved pet dogs in Moresby, believed to be caused by 1080 bait, which has left local families devastated and wanting answers. Moresby residents Greg and Sue Finlay are one family feeling the loss of their pet Clancy, an 18-month-old stumpy tail Australian cattle dog, who died inside their property in September. Mr Finlay broke down in tears describing the moment the couple knew something was not right. He said it began with vomiting and lethargy, and then Clancy let out a “horrific scream” he said he’d never heard before. “It was just this sound that I’ll never get out of my head for as long as I live. It was the most horrific scream come out of a poor defenceless dog that I cannot describe,” Mr Finlay said. After kicking and snapping his jaw, Clancy died. Three more dogs in Moresby have died in similar circumstances between August and September, including the Finlays’ next door neighbour’s kelpie. Mr Finlay said he took samples of Clancy’s vomit, which the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development assessed and confirmed 1080 bait was involved. A DPIRD spokesperson confirmed the department was aware of several tragic deaths of pet dogs in Moresby and were investigating. “DPIRD takes suspect 1080 poisoning very seriously and is investigating the matter,” the spokesperson said. “All information on the misuse of 1080 poisoning will be reported to the Department of Health. “People who suspect their dog has been poisoned by 1080 are urged to contact a veterinarian immediately. Collect any vomit to aid poison identification.” Mr Finlay said he hoped there were answers soon, and it was not down to “some lowlife” throwing baits in Moresby backyards. “If someone is deliberately targeting defenceless pets in this absolutely horrific way to kill them, which it is, it’s just horrible. It’s not right,” he said. “Things can’t surprise you how low people can go, and then you hear this and you think perhaps humanity isn’t as good as you think it is.” A Department of Health spokesperson said the department would investigate any misuse of 1080 poison but as of Tuesday afternoon, no reports of potential breaches of public health legislation regarding 1080 poison in the Moresby area had been submitted to the department. DPIRD encourages people in the Moresby area who suspect their dog was poisoned or those who have historic information about baiting to report it at AgWatch. WA Police confirmed they were aware of the incident but it was in the hands of the department.