TASSO recommends anti‑poison bait training for German dogs

The animal‑welfare organisation TASSO e.V., which runs Europe’s largest pet‑owner registry, warns that poison baits placed on sidewalks and in parks pose a serious risk to dogs in Germany. Such baits may be deliberately laid or unintentionally left, and can contain toxic substances or even razor‑blade‑filled meat. Dr. Lisa Borchard, veterinarian and head of TASSO’s “Responsible Pet Ownership” project, advises owners to stay alert during walks and to recognise early symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, excessive drooling, pale mucous membranes, stumbling, diarrhoea and lethargy. She recommends an anti‑poison‑bait training in which dogs learn either to signal a find (for example by sitting) or to avoid the object altogether. Borchard stresses, “It is important that dog owners are attentive on walks and know how to interpret possible symptoms.” The organisation also notes that deliberately poisoning animals is a criminal offence.