The Knin police station received two reports from residents of Mokro Polje, a settlement within the Ervenik municipality, regarding dead dogs. The first report was received on 23 October, when two dead dogs were found in Mokro Polje, and three days later the police were informed of the discovery of another dead dog. The owner of the dogs is Žarko Kostić from Mokro Polje, who found the carcasses of his three dogs while returning his cattle from pasture to the barn.
Kostić stated that the animals died within a short time after eating something and suspects poisoning. According to him, three dogs died within ten minutes, while the fourth barely survived. He added that the dogs developed diarrhoea as soon as they swallowed something, and their saliva began to run from their mouths.
Kostić noted that he had previously encountered similar problems. Last year, he claims, five of his cows died, and he estimated the resulting damage at approximately €20,000. At the time, according to his own words, he suspected one neighbour, but could not prove it. He stated that he had a justified fear that a problematic neighbour, who is prone to throwing poison around, had done it. Kostić's suspicions about the possible perpetrator have not yet been confirmed.
Police officers immediately began investigations after the first report to determine all the circumstances and facts of the incident. The competent state prosecutor's office has been informed of the measures taken so far, and the police have forwarded a letter to the Veterinary Inspection. The Šibenik-Knin Police Directorate states that the criminal investigation, based on suspicion of the criminal offence of killing or torturing animals, is ongoing and that necessary evidentiary measures will be carried out depending on the course of the investigation. The cause of the dogs' deaths will only be reliably determined after appropriate veterinary treatment and autopsy, and the police will inform the public of the results of the criminal investigation in a timely manner.
Kostić claims he was told that the dog carcasses should be transported to Zagreb for autopsy. The cost of transport and autopsy would be approximately €1,200, and Kostić complained that he cannot afford this amount.
Martina Gančević, medical director and head of surgery at Vetti Split veterinary hospital, stated that a dog should be immediately removed from the possible source of poison, further ingestion of the suspicious substance should be prevented, and the nearest available veterinary clinic should be contacted by phone. A veterinarian, even if distant, can provide important instructions while the owner arranges transport, she emphasised. According to her, one should not wait for symptoms to appear because the effects of some poisons may only manifest after several hours or days.
Gančević noted that the veterinarian should be told what substance the dog may have swallowed, in what quantity and when, the dog's weight should be stated, and any symptoms described. It is useful to bring the product packaging or photograph its composition, and if possible, the suspicious substance should be stored in a closed container, avoiding direct contact with bare hands. Vomiting must not be induced without explicit veterinary instruction, as in certain circumstances it can further worsen the condition and lead to stomach contents entering the lungs. Salt must never be used for this purpose as it can itself cause severe poisoning, she warned.
Hydrogen, milk, oil, human medicines, or activated charcoal should not be administered on one's own initiative unless explicitly recommended by a veterinarian. Contrary to common belief, milk is not an antidote, and activated charcoal is not suitable for every type of poison, Gančević stated. She added that a dog can still be helped even if it has swallowed poison, and that many dogs fully recover with timely treatment. The outcome depends on the type and amount of poison, the time elapsed since ingestion, any potential organ damage, and the animal's general condition and age.
The veterinarian first stabilises breathing, circulation and consciousness, and applies oxygen, intravenous fluids, anti-spasmodic drugs and other therapeutic measures as needed, along with appropriate diagnostic tests. If the poison was swallowed recently and the procedure is safe for the animal, the veterinarian can induce vomiting, perform a stomach wash, or apply activated charcoal to reduce poison absorption. An antidote exists for some poisons, but not for many, and supportive treatment helps maintain vital functions while the body breaks down and excretes the poison. Multi-day hospitalisation and follow-up tests are sometimes required.
Gančević emphasised that sudden death, foam at the mouth or convulsions are not in themselves proof of poisoning, as they can also occur with other diseases. The cause is investigated through dissection, i.e. autopsy of the animal, with laboratory tests and, if necessary, targeted toxicological analysis. The owner should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible, before disposing of the body, and until examination the body must be stored appropriately to preserve tissues and enable the most precise analysis. There is no universal test for all poisons, so data on the circumstances and possible source of poisoning are very important, and even a negative toxicological finding does not rule out all possibilities of poisoning.
