SPOKANE -- SCRAPS is warning everyone in Spokane County to beware of a series of possible poisoning incidents that killed three dogs Friday.
This morning a woman reported that she let her dogs outside at approximately 6:00 a.m. and when she went outside to feed her horses on her property near Regal and the Palouse Highway. While outside, she saw one of her dogs eating something. She called her dog away from what was later identified as meatballs and approximately one half hour later the dog started having convulsions and was taken to the Pet Emergency Clinic where it later died.
In the second incident, two dogs were reported dead by another owner in the vicinity of 55th and Freya.
SCRAPS officers report more of the possibly poisoned meatballs were found on the 3300 block of East 55th on the side of the road, and in the same area but inside a fenced yard.
“All pet owners should closely inspect their yard and surrounding property when they arrive home tonight,” said Nancy Hill, Director of SCRAPS. “We have now linked the two suspected poisonings and are very concerned that there are more out there,” continued Nancy Hill.
The suspected meat is being sent to Washington State University where it will be tested.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents or wanting to report suspicious activity which might be related to this type of animal cruelty is asked to call SCRAPS at 477-2761. This level of cruelty could result in a charge of animal cruelty in the first degree, a class C felony which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and $10,000 fine.
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for poisoning these dogs if testing confirms poison.
