Carfin carer forced to sell car and lose job after dog eats rat poison

Nicole Hanley has been forced to fork out thousands of pounds to support her American Bulldog, Zara, who became ill after consuming poison last June.

The 28-year-old, from Carfin, has since been desperately trying to keep up with treatment as her dog now suffers from severe sickness, sores, diarrhoea, bruising, and fatigue.

It comes as the poison left Zara’s immune system attacking itself with vets unable to offer a cure.

Zara ate rat poison (Image: Sourced)

Nicole said: “I worry sick about Zara constantly, my own mental health has really suffered and gone downhill because of all this.

“I have had to sell my car to pay for it all, I also had to give up my job because she needs me around all time.

“Zara’s condition causes bruises which can make her look like she has been hit by a car, she has really been suffering since last year.

“Although we have saved her, she won't have the full life she would have normally, Zara was a big healthy dog before this, “I don’t want anyone else to go through this with their pet, so I am speaking out and want rat poison to not be used anymore.

“It causes so much suffering not just to me and Zara but also the rats, I think it is inhumane. It is really bad for wildlife as well.”

Nicole is determined to keep treating her beloved Zara (Image: Sourced)

The rat poison had been put down by neighbours and North Lanarkshire Council, according to Nicole, who were dealing with a rodent problem at the time.

Nicole first noticed Zara acting strange after finding a large dead rat in her garden.

She took her beloved pet to the vet who confirmed it looked like she had ingested poison.

Nicole said: “There were rats in the area, so some neighbours and the council put out lots of rat poison, but no one told me I wasn’t aware until I found a large dead rat in my garden.

“Zara has been in contact with it and could have eaten some of the poison that was out, that is what has caused all her health issues.

“The traps used aren’t good because the rats eat the poison then carry it to their nest leaving bits of poison and droppings behind in the meantime, it is dangerous.”

Zara often breaks out in large bruises because her immune system fights itself (Image: Sourced)

Friends of Nicole have now set up a GoFundMe to help her with the rising expenses of looking after Zara.

She is facing a £4k bill for an MRI and needs to pay around £300 a month to keep up with the dog’s prescriptions.

After giving up her job this can be difficult to pay for, leaving her grateful for friends helping.

Zara also breaks out in soars because her immune system fights itself (Image: Sourced)

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “When our pest control team are responding to reports of rat issues, we are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents, their pets, and other animals.

“We work with residents to identify and address the causes of any rat infestation. Baiting only takes place in gardens following an agreement with the owner or tenant, and safety guidance is provided to them.

“When dealing with rodent issues, we also take other proactive steps including addressing issues with household waste, overgrown vegetation, and food sources such as wild bird food. Rats seek out food sources and it is vital to deny them access to it. Our pest control experts regularly monitor and remove any rodents found and assess any other measures which may be required.

“If any residents have concerns about rats, they should contact our pest control team or seek the advice of a private pest controller. Further information on preventing pest control problems is available on our website.”