Dogs poisoned in park, one dies
Port Perry, ON (CA)Incident Date: Tuesday, Mar 17, 2009
Disposition: Open
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
The Humane Society of Canada is hoping a cash reward will entice anyone with information regarding last week's poisoning of four dogs in a Port Perry park to step forward.
The humane society announced on Friday it is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person(s) responsible for leaving tainted treats in Poplar Park.
Durham police were alerted to the situation late last Monday when reports first began trickling in that dogs were becoming seriously sick after eating a cupcake or muffin of some sort that was found in Port Perry's Poplar Park, located on Ash Street.
Initially, police said three dogs had become ill, but that number later rose to four.
At the outset of the investigation, police believed the treats were either laced with an anti-freeze-type substance or a cannabis product.
However on Tuesday, police said tests carried out at the Ontario's Centre of Forensic Sciences have excluded anti-freeze as the source of the illness.
Police add further toxicology tests will be performed to determine the exact nature of the toxin, but those tests might take several months to complete.
"It appears we have some sort of toxic substance in (the treats)... and if there's something in there, and if they were left in the park (on purpose), why did it happen," said Dave Selby, a police spokesman.
Each of the four dogs connected to the investigation is expected to recover, said police.
"No circumstance warrants brutally killing pets with poison," said Michael O'Sullivan, the humane society's executive director. "Leaving poison for pets is not only dangerous for the intended victims, but also for unintended potential victims including young children and wildlife."
He added: "Our four-legged friends depend on us for their well-being and, regrettably, that includes protecting them from those who would do them harm."
No arrests have been made in connection with the Port Perry park poisoning incident.
Durham police found themselves investigating a second poisoning complaint last week after a woman complained her two dogs became seriously ill after walking through Iona Park in Whitby.
One dog has since died and a second animal remains seriously sick, say police.
The woman contacted authorities on Thursday morning, after her Saturday stroll in the park, police said. The woman said she did not see her animals eat any unknown substances and a subsequent sweep of the park by police found nothing.
It's unknown if there's a link between the Port Perry and Whitby incidents, police add.
According to Humane Society of Canada officials, recent changes to the Canadian Criminal Code mean anyone convicted of animal cruelty faces maximum penalties of up to five years in prison for indictable offences, and for summary convictions a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months in prison.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective-Sergeant Peter Keegan at 905-579-1520, ext. 2686, or the Humane Society of Canada at 416-368-0405. References
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