Berlin, September 2025 - Berlin leads the nationwide statistics for toxic bait reports by a wide margin, confirming its sad reputation as the most dangerous city for dogs in Germany. A recent analysis by the dog community app Dogorama shows that 1,336 cases have been reported in the capital alone since mid-2021 - almost twice as many as in Munich (539) and significantly more than in Hamburg (850).
Almost 300 new reports were added in Berlin last year. The perpetrators are becoming increasingly sophisticated: razor blades in sausage, rat poison in pasta or nails in meat - baits that are barely recognizable to dog owners and can end fatally for four-legged friends.
Alarming development in major German cities
Not only Berlin, but other cities are also recording rising numbers. The nationwide ranking of toxic bait reports since mid-2021 shows
Berlin: 1,336 (289 in the last 365 days)
Hamburg: 850 (165)
Munich: 539 (139)
Cologne: 506 (130)
Leipzig: 318 (75)
Dortmund: 245 (79)
Hanover: 244 (77)
Brunswick: 218 (60)
Essen: 213 (62)
Bremen: 213 (36)
"The figures speak for themselves: the threat to dogs is not decreasing - it is increasing. Poison bait is now a nationwide problem that affects millions of dog owners," explains Jan Wittmann, founder and managing director of Dogorama.
Deadly baits, hidden in everyday life
Poison baits are deliberately placed where dogs are out and about every day: in parks, on forest paths, in green spaces or even in residential streets and front gardens. Particularly perfidious: many baits are prepared in such a way that they are barely visible to the naked eye.
"Dog owners should not be lulled into a false sense of security - unfortunately, poisoned baits are part of everyday life in many cities," Wittmann continues.
Which baits are in circulation
The range of baits is frightening: offenders rely on prepared pieces of meat such as meatballs or sausage that are laced with rat poison, slug pellets, antifreeze or anaesthetics.
Other baits are traps full of blades and nails: razor blades, screws or shards of glass are hidden in pieces of meat and cause serious internal injuries or even death if swallowed.
Symptoms: How to recognize poisoning
The consequences of ingesting poisoned bait are varied - and often develop rapidly. The first warning signs are
sudden weakness, severe tremors or cramps
bloated, hard stomach
conspicuous salivation or heavy panting
In the case of severe poisoning, dogs also show
pale mucous membranes, foaming at the mouth
Difficulty swallowing, gagging
bloody vomiting or diarrhea
Important: If any of these symptoms occur, every minute counts - consult a vet immediately!
Protection through community - Dogorama's danger radar
The Dogorama app offers a nationwide early warning system with its danger radar: reports from the community, combined with official police warnings, create a seamless safety net. An internal verification system checks the authenticity of the reports.
Tips: How to protect your dog
Use apps such as Dogorama for real-time alerts.
Train your dog not to pick up anything from the ground.
Stay alert - especially in known hotspots.
Seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect bait ingestion.