Animal control officer allegedly poisoning dogs
Luther, OK (US)

Incident Date: Sunday, Oct 10, 2004
County: Oklahoma

Disposition: Not Charged

Abuser names unreleased

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

The owners of a dog that was poisoned say they're surprised their dog lived. Karen McClure is amazed her daughter's dog Shasha is alive because just 10 days ago, "the dog is in a permanent convulsion, her legs were out stiff, just shaking, thrashing all over the floor," she said.

McClure said the animal control officer here admitted he was trying to get rid of stray dogs. So, instead of euthanizing the animals, the officer took matters into his own hands by using poison.

Shasha survived the poisoning, however another dog didn't survive from what officials say is a very tough poison.

"Gopher bait, which is strychnine, and they had found hot dog in the animal's stomachs," said Luther police chief Jason McWhorter. 

"Which isn't a common way to kill dogs," said Dr. Paul Peterson, a Luther veterinarian, "because it's so daggum inhumane. They die in convulsions and that's about the painful way as you can go."

McClure said Luther officials have allowed this practice in the past, because of all the stray animals.

"The practice needs to stop and that's all we're concerned about is getting that stopped," said McClure, who claims this practice hurts in other ways as well.

"I was furious because it's such a good dog and you know my daughter and son-in-law they're not in a financial position to spend $1,000 a weekend to save their dog," McClure said.

Police say they're investigating the situation because animal poisoning is a felony. They say the animal control officer was suspended one week with pay, but is now is back on the job.

And, a city council meeting is scheduled for this Thursday evening. The main topic of discussion: the animal poisoning cases.

Case Updates

References

• KFOR - Oct 20 2004

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