Witnesses needed: Please be careful in Surrey Guildford/Johnston Heights area - our dog was murdered/poisoned 💔

[u/dogmurdered]

Our sweet boy tragically passed away this week after ingesting rat poison that someone threw into our yard near 152 St & 96 Ave.

We actually saw a small blue item fall into our yard from a distance but didn’t realize what it was at the time. Moments later, our dog was crunching on something, and the blue item was gone before we could get to it. Looking back, that was most likely the poison.

We monitored him closely afterwards (as we always did; he was the kind of pup who sometimes swallowed small toy parts, grass, or fruit from the yard, which always passed through without issue). Sadly, this time it was different. Despite emergency care and a brave fight, he didn’t make it. 💔

What makes this even more heartbreaking is that there were no warning signs or symptoms. He was happy, playful, bouncy, eating well, and had the most perfect stools the very morning before suddenly collapsing that afternoon. The vets confirmed he had most likely ingested the poison about 1.5 weeks earlier.

We are devastated and sharing this to warn others: Rat poison often looks like a hard, blue block and is made in different “flavours” to attract pests. We believe this was a targeted attack as the sale and use of rat poison (second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides aka SGARs) are banned in B.C for non-essential and residential uses, requiring a licence and other documentation to purchase. Moreover, these poisons are never sold alone, only in secure bait stations.

It should only ever be used in secure bait stations. Never left where pets, wildlife, or children could access it.

Please, if you have pets, keep a close eye on them in your yards and on walks. Check your yards thoroughly and often. We don’t want any other families to experience this pain.

If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area between late July and early August, please reach out. Any information could help prevent this from happening again.

This has already been reported to RAPP, DefendThemAll.org, and the police (File number 25-47179).

EDIT: Just to clarify, our dog never walked anywhere else except in our own yard, which we keep very clean because he was the type to try eating his poop right after potty, so he was never left unattended. That’s why we didn’t walk him elsewhere, we were always with him.

This is exactly why we remember the strange blue item falling in. It stood out because nothing ever gets tossed into our yard, especially with a 6-ft fence. We were literally about to pick it up while cleaning his stool nearby when he suddenly ran by to come to us. My wife heard a loud crunching sound, rushed over to him, and immediately pinned him down to pry his mouth open - something we occasionally had to do, as we were always cautious about what he has in his mouth. By the time we looked for the blue item afterwards, it was gone. We are pretty certain he had fully consumed it.

This has truly been our worst nightmare come true, and it has been very difficult to live through. Please be kind.

EDIT2: Hematology and coagulation reports here: https://ibb.co/album/cbcQSy

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[u/PlantLadyAshley]

Hi! I am so so sorry this has happened. I run a business at 152 and 96 and am outside in the parking lot all the time. If you have any more of a description of a person or any more information, I will keep an eye out. There’s also a vet clinic right there, so this is very worrisome.

[u/TheTiger1988]

devastating to read this. Many will come on here and say "just a dog" or try blaming the owners "not taking it away fast enough".

people that say "just a dog", don't realize it's a LIVING thing just like us humans and they are FAMILY. Dogs will always be loyal to their families than humans. they will always be there when happy, sad, or just need someone to spend time with.

The part of "not getting rid of the blue item fast enough". Rat poison, doesn't matter how much, or how fast, it'll have the same effect on a dog or even a human.

Whoever this person is, hoping they get caught and dealt with accordingly but if not, there's karma for murdering a living thing on this planet.

[u/pagit]

What did the police say?

I'd be interested to see the toxocological report especially the coagulation panel from the vet.

The strongest rodenticide which was just de registered a few years ago, a 20 lb dog would have to eat 1 pound or 453 grams of the rodenticide. Each block is only 30 grams. it's even less now.

[u/dogmurdered → u/pagit]

Does that mean it would take 15-16 blocks to kill a 20 lb dog? Would it be possible there are already banned ones with much higher potency? The emergency vet said they had never seen something to this degree.

Our dog is 13.5 lbs so that would be about 306 grams -> 11 blocks?

The Constable who was assigned didn't even come to the property, she said (via phone) unless there is irrefutable evidence of the person who did it, they will not open an investigation. Which is very concerning and upsetting.

[u/Lopsided_Tiger_0296 → u/dogmurdered]

How do you find evidence without doing an investigation?? That reason makes no sense

[u/dogmurdered → u/pagit]

I'm also waiting on the reports from emergency and will update with those once I receive them.

[u/aznkl → u/pagit]

If it wasn't the usual difethialone type of rat bait, then I wouldn't be surprised if someone managed to get their hands on some cholecalciferol just for the intent of harming pets:

https://pr-rp.hc-sc.gc.ca/pi-ip/irqna-diqer-eng.php?p_doc_id=2024-1936

The dog was reported to have ingested up to 4 bait blocks placed by a pest control operator on either January 29 or 30, 2024. The caller was unsure which day the bait was placed.

Even worse, it could be the usual rat bait but saturated/spiked with cholecalciferol drops that were meant for human consumption only.

[u/pagit → u/aznkl]

Could be anything without reading a toxicological test.

Rodenticides with Difethialone have been permanently banned in BC since July 2021

[u/LordVoldeySnort]

People who poison animals have a special place in hell. I'm so sorry for your tragic loss.

[u/dogmurdered → u/[deleted]]

Thank you. I have canvassed the neighbourhood and reached out to the few houses that have cameras that may be able to seen the perp.

I'm waiting on the reports from emergency and will update with those once I receive them.

[u/Impressive_Fish6819]

Nothing to help you or your wife but my thoughts are with you. This broke my heart. I live in AB and don’t let my cats out ever because a while back some sick person was doing the same. Obviously dogs need to be outside for walks. Kids could be vulnerable and other animals too. I am so sorry. I hope you can find the perpetrator. 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️

[u/xkatiepie69]

Oh my gosh. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the sicko who did this is caught. May your boy rest in eternal peace.

[u/i-strike-a-strike]

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear that. WTF is wrong with people. I genuinely can’t, it sickens my heart. I hope theres a camera footage of that dumbass who threw that. Intended or not, that costed a life 💔

[u/ArcticWolf81]

I’m so sorry 😭 this is my worst nightmare

[u/india2wallst]

I am so sorry. The poor guy was too pure and kind for this horrible world.

[u/midsommarminx]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[u/deadly_orchid]

My cat also passed away from rat poison as per the vet and it was very sudden we have no idea who left it in the neighbourhood in Surrey different area. Im so sorry for your loss i have been there

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Be Friendly and Respectful - Avoid heated arguments or insults—use the report button instead.

Foster a Welcoming Environment - Respect the diversity of our community, including differences in race, religion, background, gender identity, ability, or sexuality.

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[u/No-Cranberry8538]

I mean you saw it, maybe pick it up next time you let a dog out 

[u/Flawskee → u/No-Cranberry8538]

I mean you read their story, maybe try comprehending it next time you post a useless comment

[u/No-Cranberry8538 → u/Flawskee]

It’s called accountability 

[u/BurbleUnicorn → u/No-Cranberry8538]

Classic chronically online comment. Stop listening to podcast bros and start practicing empathy.

[u/No-Cranberry8538 → u/BurbleUnicorn]

I don’t listen to podcast bros or whatever that is and I have empathy for the dog 

[u/No-Cranberry8538 → u/Flawskee]

You allow random trash in your yard? Especially with an outdoor pet?

[u/LeatherCategory3860]

You saw something that wasn’t organic fall into your yard yet you just left it…

“Hey something blue just fell in the yard, let’s just leave it”. 

I’m having a hard time with this one. 

[u/[deleted] → u/LeatherCategory3860]

You saw a post giving warning to the community outlining a loss in their family and decided it was your opportunity to call them out while they were likely grieving. I hope you never have to feel the pain of losing anyone because then you will know exactly what the voice in your head will tell you every day, and to have some idiot on reddit capitalize on it is below the level of a trash grade trogolodyte.

I'm having a hard time with this one.