Mystery dog poisoning raises burglary fears in Kerugoya estate

The three dogs died in the early hours of Tuesday after allegedly consuming meat laced with poison that was thrown into a homestead through its gate.

The incident occurred at around 2am when the dogs began barking uncontrollably, alerting the occupants to unusual activity near the perimeter wall.

Their owner suspects the animals were deliberately poisoned to silence them and allow suspected burglars to gain access to the property.

She said she found one of the dogs dead, while a second died shortly afterwards. The third succumbed as a veterinary officer arrived to attend to them.

The animals comprised two female and one male German Shepherd, including a Working Line, a Showline and a short-coated breed.

Residents who gathered at the scene following the incident expressed concern over the apparent targeting of the dogs, saying they had also relied on them to raise alarm whenever security incidents occurred in the neighbourhood.

The dogs were usually released into the compound at night after being kept in secured areas during the day.

The poisoning has heightened anxiety among residents, who fear that criminals could be targeting homes by first neutralising guard dogs before attempting to break in.

The matter was reported at Kerugoya Police Station, with officers visiting the scene and launching investigations into the suspected poisoning and possible attempted burglary.

The circumstances surrounding the incident, including who poisoned the dogs and whether a break-in was planned, remain unclear.