Pets

From Washington Humane Society:

On Thursday, June 27, 2013 the Washington Humane Society (WHS) was alerted to the claim that someone was alleged to be leaving poisoned dog treats in the Logan Circle area of Washington, DC.

“After a thorough investigation by our Humane Law Enforcement division, we cannot substantiate the claim that there is anyone out there intentionally attempting to harm pets,” Scott Giacoppo, WHS VP of External Affairs reports, adding, “Our investigation has revealed that one dog has been reported sick from the consumption of an unknown toxin. After a thorough investigation, which included outreach to every veterinary clinic in the District, we have received no evidence to indicate that this was intentional, happened in a public space or that there may be a threat to animal safety.”

Humane Law Enforcement Officers have been in contact with the owner of the dog who has gotten sick. Based on his limited cooperation, and the lack of direct evidence to support the claim, WHS has decided to close the investigation. Humane Law Enforcement will re-open the case if and when additional evidence is discovered.

WHS maintains that pet owners should always be cautious of potentially hazardous materials when walking pets in public areas. Dr. Megan McAndrew, WHS Medical Director, advises that you bring your pet to a veterinarian immediately if you notice signs of nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, rapid or difficult breathing, or pale, dark or blue gums within 12 hours after your pet may have eaten an unknown substance.

A reader forwards the following email:

Sorry for the mass email here, but I just received a message from one of our clients in the Logan Circle area, alerting us to the fact that someone is dropping contaminated “Pill Pockets” (these are a malleable beef flavored treats that one uses to envelope medicine for dogs and cats) stuffed with some sort of poison, on the grounds of Logan Circle. Because the Pill Pockets smell like a meaty flavored treat, the dogs have been devouring them, causing them to get sick, and sadly one dog died from the yet to be identified toxin. (I am doing more research to follow up on this thread to see what additional information may be coming in on the subject.) I’ve attached an image of the cat version of Pill Pockets, so you can see what they look like. The dog version are the same basic idea, only a little larger.

I wanted to forward this info ASAP to all of our staff members and clients, even beyond the Logan Circle neighborhood, as I heard about this happening in two different areas of Northern Virginia last year. Scary stuff!

Please be careful out there, and keep an eye out for any suspicious treats, food, etc., on the ground in various locations that allow dogs! I will follow up with any additional details that may surface, and please keep us posted if you hear of anything, as well. I am going to contact the folks at the Humane Society now, and ask to whom we should report any accounts that may arise. Be safe!