Following a harrowing weekend filled with concerns over the welfare of local canines, police in Massachusetts have put to rest the unsettling rumors of dogs being targeted by harmful substances. In an update that might bring some relief to pet owners in the region, officials reported that the earlier accounts of dogs being poisoned in the Moseley Woods area appear to have been unfounded.

It came to light over the past month that two dogs taken ill after a stroll with their owner in the woods, leading to one of the dog's unfortunate death on Sunday, had not been victims of an intentional wrongdoing. The Newburyport / West Newbury Animal Control, in collaboration with the Newburyport Police Department and the Parks Division, vigorously investigated to possibly ensure the safety of the four-legged friends frequenting the town's green spaces. In a statement on their official Facebook page, officials declared, "We have no reason to believe that anything was done to intentionally poison these dogs."

The exhaustive inquiry included consultations with the dog's owner and their veterinarian, yet it remains unclear exactly what the dogs ingested or where it might have come from. During their sweep of the woods, officials found no immediate hazards that would pose a threat to pets. This has led to the conclusion that the health crisis faced by the dogs could have arisen from commonly found outdoors perils, like toxic mushrooms or spoiled remnants of human food.

Authorities are urging pet owners to exercise caution and prevent their pets from picking up and consuming unknown substances. "Please remain vigilant and prevent your dogs from consuming anything they find on the ground," the department advised. They also recommended that any dog displaying strange behavior or symptoms should be quickly brought to professional care. Recognizing the important role community members play in maintaining park safety, they asked the public to refrain from leaving potential dangers behind.

In addressing the distressing situation, empathy was extended to the dog owner who suffered such a loss. "Our hearts go out to the affected owner during this time, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them," acknowledged the officials in their community update.