A local dog-loving couple is hoping to flush out the truth behind the mystery dog poisonings by offering a generous reward for information.
Five dogs died and nine were confirmed to have presented with poisoning symptoms after visiting areas in and around Buddina Beach between August 2 – 19, sparking an RSPCA investigation into the incidents.
Sunshine Coast couple Brad and Annie have offered a $25,000 reward to the person who provides information towards the successful conviction of the individual(s) potentially responsible for this “horrendous crime.”
They are working in collaboration with local police, Crime Stoppers Queensland and the RSPCA.
The couple, who would like to be known only be their first names, said they were adamant a person or persons was responsible for the dog deaths.
“We have offered the reward to find this horrible person,” Brad said.
“If this financial incentive can help bring the person(s) to justice, by way of a conviction, it will be very worth while. We want to have a safe society for us, everyone else and the dogs.
“One of them is an elderly dog and we want to make sure we can use the beach safely and not have any concerns about them being poisoned.”
The couple believes the $25,000 is enough to inspire someone to anonymously tip Crime Stoppers. The agency will launch an official campaign over the coming days.
“This is obviously a person we see daily in our community, and we will all hold them accountable,” he said.
“It’s disgusting to think that the person(s) involved think they can get away with this.
“I think it’s someone who is unhappy in life and wants to hurt and damage people that they can’t do in public, and they decided to take it out on innocent animals.
“Every action has a reaction, and this is ours to this disgusting and cowardly act.”
Upon hearing the news of the poisonings in early August, Brad said the couple’s hearts went out to the owners who lost their dogs.
“Hopefully it (this reward) helps put some sort of relief or closure to the families, and others in the town won’t have the same issue,” he said.
“It brings great sadness to us to see this crime go without anyone being held responsible…. yet.
“Annie and I can’t imagine the pain and suffering these families are living through right now.”
Crime Stoppers Regional Manager Renae Long said it was an extremely generous donation from the members of the public who want to ensure a safer community for all people and our four-legged friends.
“We hope that through this generous reward, the community has the confidence to report what they know to Crime Stoppers Queensland and stay anonymous,” Mrs Long said.
Brad described most of the Buddina community as “loving, caring and decent members of society – a place which had no place for these sorts of action – if they were deliberate acts.”
“I am positive that we will all help bring resolution to this crime,” he said.
“We don’t want a crime like this going unsolved in our community.
“We will be keeping our dogs close by us until this is resolved… hopefully a solution is found soon.”
Brad thanked Kawana Waters Police officer in charge Mark Cordwell, the RSPCA and SCN for weeks of liaising to see the reward offer come to fruition.
He further thanked Crime Stoppers for helping to distribute and publicise the reward.
Chief RSPCA investigator Julia Steley welcomed any information that may come through to Crime Stoppers to help the investigation and thanked the couple.
“We appreciate the generous reward that’s been offered,” Ms Steley said.
“Thank you for your kindness and support of animal welfare.
“It may just be the prompt needed, especially if the poisonings are due to a deliberate act by a person or persons.”
If the person provides information leading to an arrest in relation to dog poisoning on the Sunshine Coast, Crime Stoppers will release the $25,000 to that person.
If you have information about this crime, please contact Crime Stoppers Queensland on 1800 333 000 or Crime Stoppers website and remain anonymous.
