Dogs poisoned with strychnine
Swansea, MA (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Sep 10, 2006
County: Bristol
Disposition: Open
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
A deadly doggie treat placed in a cornfield is being blamed for killing three neighborhood canines.
Authorities believe that the dogs consumed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches laced with strychnine. The snacks were left inside of a cornfield that is a popular spot for dog owners to walk their pets, according to police.
Carol Walsh lost her two-year-old chocolate lab, Murphy Brown, and her friend's dog, Guinness, whom authorities say she was taking care of.
"It's bizarre, and it's creepy," Walsh said. "You're filled with... grief and anger. It's disturbing to think that anyone would be so mean."
The two dogs were walking through the cornfield when they ate the sandwiches. They began foaming at the mouth and were dead in minutes.
Paula Connolly's five-year-old golden retriever, Ally, also died from the poison in the sandwiches.
"It's a horrendous way to die," Connolly said. "This poor dog, you know, kept running to me like 'Do something.'"
"These are not dogs that we have out in a dog house, or stuck out in the yard all day," Walsh said. "These are like family members."
The owner of the farm has told 7News that they had nothing to do with this, and that they are devastated by what happened.
The police are uncertain where the sandwiches came from and have sent samples of the snacks to the State Crime Lab for further investigation.
Case UpdatesAn animal advocacy group has upped the reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the poisoning of three dogs in Swansea.
Defenders of Animals is now offering $3,000 for information in the case.
The Rhode Island-based animal rights organization has members in Massachusetts.
Police said they believe the dogs are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that were poisoned with strychnine.
The owner of the farm where the dogs were found dead said he had nothing to do with the poisonings.
For more information, contact Dennis Tabella at 401-461-7940 or check the Defenders of Animals Web site at www.defendersofanimals.org. | Source: TurnTo10 - Oct 20, 2006
Update posted on Oct 20, 2006 - 7:21PM |
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