Police Investigating Possible Poisonings After 2 Dogs Fall Ill

Police said they are investigating the possible poisoning of two dogs living in the same neighborhood within a month of each other.

Two dog owners have filed police reports stating that their dogs were rushed for treatment after suffering from convulsions and seizures. After pumping the dogs’ stomachs, veterinarians confirmed that the dogs had ingested strychnine, a poison used to kill rats, police said.

Both dogs survived, but because of two similar cases within the year, one in which a dog died, police are investigating. The earlier cases involved reports of possibly tainted meat given to the dogs.

In the latest cases, the two owners told police the animals became ill about 15 minutes after walking in a park between Magnolia and Bushard streets. The owners said they noticed their animals digging near trees and chewing on substances, but didn’t believe the behavior was dangerous or out of the ordinary.

Believing dogs are in danger, the neighborhood’s homeowners association has hired a private detective and posted fliers, urging the possible poisoner to stop before a child is hurt.

Officer Mike Kelly said the police are investigating, but it is too early to declare an emergency.

“We have no confirmation that these were malicious incidents,” Kelly said. “The dogs were in public locations, and we are not sure if there are rats or rodents in the area. Right now we are trying to track down evidence.”