A BORDER veterinary clinic has been treating up to three animals a day for snake bites as the number of pets being attacked has sky rocketed.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Hume and Melrose Animal Hospital treated up to 25 snake bites during the past three weeks.
Dr Jana's Veterinary Centre reported treating one animal per week which was above its October average.
Two weeks ago we had six pets in on a Sunday with snake bites.
- Angela Decker
A Wodonga family's boxer named Jazz was treated after being attacked by a brown snake at House Creek on Lawrence Street.
Rob Sherred was walking the dog on a retractable lead when it ran into some reeds on Tuesday afternoon and came out carrying a snake in its mouth.
His wife, Nicki Brown, said she wanted people to be aware snakes were close to the city centre.
“Jazz was bitten so many times, she survived the night but deteriorated and had to be put down,” she said.
“It was just horrible and it didn't need to happen.
“I think the public needs to be aware there are snakes down there, I didn't think they'd be so close to town and near the primary school.
“I have rang the council and asked if they'd put up warning signs.”
Snake bite symptoms include wobbliness, collapse, vomiting, diarrhoea, salivating and dilated pupils.
Dr Jana's veterinarian Renee Pigdon said more snakes had been reported in town and had been quite vicious.
Dr Angela Decker said at Hume and Melrose they had experienced an 85 per cent success rate in treating snake bites.
She said people should bring pets straight away if they have a suspect bite.
“Two weeks ago we had six pets in on a Sunday with snake bites,” Dr Decker said.
“Because snakes are looking for food, they are more aggressive and their venom is more concentrated because they haven't used it since last year.
“People should keep dogs on a leash and avoid areas with water and long grass.
“And walk in the cooler parts of the day like early morning and late evening.”
Wodonga council director of business services Trevor Ierino declined to say whether council would consider putting signs by the creek.
“Snakes are protected and their removal should only be handled by qualified handlers,” he said.
“Where possible, the council can arrange removal of snakes from council land.”
Albury Council recommended licensed snake catcher Peter Doherty on 0459 203595.
