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Investigation continues into dog poisonings
The sick case of someone potentially leaving a poisonous substance in Cranbrook’s Community Forest, believed responsible for the death of at least two dogs, continues as more local and provincial authorities become involved.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations issued a warning Oct. 14 of a poisonous substance in Community Forest.
Recreation Sites and Trails BC is warning residents and visitors to keep pets on leash in the Cranbrook Community Forest, or avoid the area altogether, after two dogs died recently from ingesting a poisonous substance.
Warning signs have been posted at multiple access points to the community forest.
The two dogs were observed eating a white fatty-like substance. Cranbrook RCMP is investigating the incidents.
A local veterinary hospital is also asking pet owners to take great caution if venturing into the Community Forest and noted Friday on Facebook that a possible suspicious toxin may have been identified.
“We’re sure many of you have heard of the suspected poisoning at the Community Forest. The RCMP and the local COs are trying to determine the facts regarding this horrible situation, whether accidental or intentional. The clinics in town are compiling samples and are trying to positively determine the toxin that is involved. A toxicologist at WCVM is suspicious the toxin fluoroacetate (1080) may have been used based on clinical signs but this is unconfirmed at this time. We will keep you updated as we know more,” reported the Cranbrook Veterinary Hospital (CVH) on its Facebook page Oct. 14.
“Until this issue is resolved we recommend keeping a watchful eye on your pets and if you are in the Community Forest (more specifically the third parking lot area) please keep your pets on a leash. If you suspect your dog has ingested something suspicious please call the clinic. If your dog is showing abnormal behavior including agitation, barking, frantic running, unresponsiveness, a blue colour to the gums or seizures please call the clinic immediately at (250) 426-8517.
“If you see any suspicious fatty substance in the forest or have any information regarding these suspected poisonings please call the Cranbrook RCMP. Do not call 911. Our deepest condolences to the families that have lost their friends in such a horrific way! I hope knowing they have the support of this amazing pet community will help them heal,” the CVH concluded.
The Forests Ministry asks pet owners to keep an eye out for the white substance and to report any further instances to local RCMP, or the province’s RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP), or online.
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