Wellfleet animal officer warns of poisoned dogs
WELLFLEET – Five dogs in Wellfleet have become sick from what may be poison or toxins since late summer, according to animal control officer Lorial Russell.
Only one dog had to be put down because of the illness, which is believed to have been antifreeze poisoning, Russell said Tuesday.
She said the dogs had been allowed to roam off a leash before becoming sick. The sick dogs exhibited lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, and were generally not being themselves, she said.
Given that the sicknesses are occurring across town, Russell said she doubts it's a specific attempt to poison dogs.
Police are asking dog owners to obey leash laws, keep an eye on their dogs and make sure that toxic materials around the house are stored securely.
In 2011, a survey by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that 67.9 percent of Massachusetts vets reported “treating animals for antifreeze ingestion.”
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that about 10,000 pets are poisoned by antifreeze each year; the number of wild animals poisoned per year is unknown but is believed to be significant.
For more information or if suspicious activity is seen that might lend some insight into these events, contact Russell or the police at 508-349-3702.
MARY ANN BRAGG