Redland City Council is deploying all available resources at local parks, including surveillance cameras, in response to more suspected dog baiting incidents.
It also is investigating offering a reward for information which leads to successful prosecution.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she had also written to the Queensland Police Service offering Council’s support in helping to catch and prosecute dog baiters.
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“The thought of anyone intentionally trying to harm local pets is deplorable and, in response, all available Council officers will be on the ground watching for any suspicious activity,” Cr Williams said.
“I have spoken with Councillors and encouraged them to be on the ground in their respective divisions speaking with residents and keeping an eye out for anything that may assist police.
“I also urge residents around dog parks and reserves to be our eyes and ears and report any suspicious activity.
“Council has agreed to investigate options to offer a reward to anyone with footage or photographs that leads to the prosecution of anyone trying to bait animals here.
“This may include working with other Councils who have also seen their own baiting incidents and I will be speaking with my fellow South East Queensland Mayors about options to offer a regional award.
“We are also deploying cameras to monitor suspicious activity and to act as a further deterrent, as well as posting signs urging park users to keep a look out.”
Cr Williams said meat found near a local dog park at Alexandra Hills and a park at Wellington Point was currently being tested by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to determine whether it had been laced with poison.
“While we don’t yet know if the meat was baited, we are not taking any chances and will do everything possible to ensure the safety of people and their pets, as well as native wildlife, including having every available Council officer on the ground,” Cr Williams said.
“Today I wrote to local police to offer our assistance in helping to catch the culprits and asking that they, too, increase patrols in and around our parks.
“Baitng is a despicable crime that also raises risks for native wildlife and children that may pick up the bait. As a community, we need to be vigilant and do whatever we can to guard against such incidents.”
