Last June 23, 2022 we walked Donut around the Potong Pasir area where she usually walks. The path she walks is by Starbucks to Fairprice and on that day we saw some rat/snail bait in her usual path.
This is the first green pile we saw and it's a good thing we were familiar with what rat bait looks like.
We quickly picked Donut up and brought her back home. We then checked around the area if there were more of this was a one-off incident.
To our surprise there were SO MANY piles around the area and some were hidden so well that it would be impossible to see unless you knew what you were looking for.
For example, this pile was so difficult to see. It was hidden so well around the plants.
We were so upset because rat and snail bait are extremely poisonous to pets and wildlife. Ingesting the bait could have killed Donut and with rat poison the effects may be delayed and once we notice it, it's potentially too late.
The NEA guidelines say the following:
Any rodenticides for the purpose of carrying out rat treatment needs to be registered and bear the NEA Registration Mark and only to be undertaken by licensed PCO. Usage of rodenticides may cause potential threats such as unintended poisoning to humans and domestic animals such as dogs or cats. Safety is of upmost priority when applying treatment and the following precautions should be taken before carrying out any rodenticide treatment.
Engage a licensed PCO to carry out rat surveillance and treatment
Ensure that the rodenticide is applied/placed deep into the burrow and should not be tossed/sprayed on the surface, as it may harm other non-targeted animals
If rodenticide must be used in areas where pets are active, ensure rodenticides are placed inside tamper-resistant bait stations and located in an area inaccessible from pets
Ensure all dead rats are removed daily during the treatment period
Remove all baits at the end of the treatment period
For the use of rodenticide near food premises, the rodenticide should only be used in tamper-proof bait stations and placed outside the food premises, away from food or food contact surfaces, to prevent contamination
Do not place rodenticide in drain and sanitary lines
The Poiz management clearly did not follow the NEA guidelines. I sent a complaint to them last 23 June but to date I have not gotten a response from them. I know some of Donut's IG friends have helped us email the Poiz management and NEA and we've heard from one friend that the Poiz management did not know about it and their contractor just put the bait without their knowledge.
Although I can't verify whether or not the management office knew about the bait, at the very least signs should be placed so that owners of pets know to steer clear of the poison (I mean aside from responding and taking accountability).
Some of those who shared Donut's post said things like rat poisoning can't be bad for dogs, it's meant for rats (not dogs) etc etc. This is just absolutely false. You can read more about rat bait poisoning here.
We've gotten a few messages too on IG sharing that they didn't know h ow rat/snail bait looked like and it's a good thing we shared the photo. The baits can come in different colours and shapes, sharing some photos below so we're all more aware!
This one has me especially concerned because it looks like kibble:
As an update, we saw one pile missing. Maybe the management has taken it out (though they have not responded to our complaints). We'll be walking around the area to see if it's gone from all locations.
Stay safe everyone! Guess this is a good time to remind to be extra vigilant when walking our pets.
If you want to write in, I think it's best to let NEA and POIZ management know poizfeedback@gmail.com
Hope this post helps!