1080 likely cause of Dunedin dog's death

A family's dog has died in Dunedin after most likely ingesting 1080 poison. Photo / File

A Dunedin dog has died as a result of suspected 1080 poisoning.

A spokeswoman for the family who owned the dog said they were ''quietly grieving'' the loss of their pet and they did not wish to comment further.

A Dunedin City Council spokesman said a vet treated the dog with symptoms that suggested it had eaten 1080 bait within the closed 1080 operation area in the Silverpeaks.

The cause of the dog's death could not be confirmed until an autopsy was completed.

However, 1080 operator Ospri said 1080 poisoning was the likely cause, the spokesman said.

''Obviously this is very upsetting for everyone involved and our sympathies are with the dog's owners.

''While the dog's owner has asked to remain anonymous and acknowledges taking their dog into the restricted area, this unfortunate incident demonstrates the importance of keeping animals away from operational areas and following the instructions on warning signs.''

The death follows a 8600ha 1080 drop last week which spanned popular dog-walking spots from Whare Flat to Waitati.

A post discussing the dog's death on Facebook page Dunedin Dogs Run Free was shared about 100 times and attracted about 100 comments, many criticising the use of 1080 as a pest eradication method.

An investigation had been launched by Ospri and the operator had already confirmed the dog was inside the area of the Silver Peaks covered by the 1080 aerial drop, and a sign warning people not to walk their dogs there was visible at the only vehicle entry point.

Ospri would add further signs to reduce the chances of another dog dying.

An Ospri spokesman said the ''unfortunate incident'' demonstrated the importance of keeping animals away from areas treated by 1080.

Ospri had worked with the council to ensure all registered dog owners were aware that the area would be out of bounds to dogs for the next 12 months.

margot.taylor@odt.co.nz