We all believe our dogs are safe in our backyards, after all, it’s their home. But residents in a neighborhood in south Lakeville, Minnesota are finding that is not always true – their dogs are being victimized by hot dogs lace with homemade rat poison pills, screws and open safety pins. The treats are found left outside for dogs to eat.
There have been six dogs affected already, with one passing away due to the poisoning.
Seth Paulson, a high school student, is an owner of a golden retriever who lucky has been taught to spit things out if asked. While on a walk he picked up one of these pieces of hot dog. Paulson told the local CBS news station that the hot dog contained a nail.
Later, Seth and his mom, Kathryn, found more pieces of hot dog filled with metal, including large, one and a half inch screws, they told CBS. Kathryn then went door-to-door, to tell her neighbors to look for items in their own yards. Along with hot dogs, they found steel wool with pills inside.
Lindsay and Juan Durland own two small dogs, Yogi and Pablo, both who have been treated for eating laced items. One had 11 screws taken out of its stomach and the other is still in the hospital with high blood pressure, which they believe was caused by the pills.
The medical bills are adding up, as you can imagine. The Durland’s have already spent close to $3,000. But they consider themselves lucky to still have their dogs.
A GoFundMe Campaign has been set-up to help them with medical costs. Any donation is greatly appreciated.
The Lakeville police are still investigating the case. They have no leads yet, but are asking everyone in the area to keep an eye out for more laced hot dogs and to let them know if your dog eats anything tainted.
(H/T: CBS Minnesota)
