In the last two weeks, dog owners around the Inner Sunset have shared news of two suspicious occurrences, one near Stow Lake and the other in Richard Gamble Memorial Park in Cole Valley. For many, the incidents are an unsettling reminder of a still-unsolved string of dog poisoning attempts in parks across the city in 2013 and 2014.
On March 12th, a Facebook user posted photos of Easter candy found in the dog park on Carl between Clayton and Cole. According to the report, there were five bags of candy, but “three of the bags were open and the chocolates were scattered in the grass."
Another Facebook user posted photos on March 21st of a cache of raw meat (note: not meatballs) and dog food found partially hidden underneath leaves near the Stow Lake boathouse. Hoodline contacted Animal Care and Control and SFPD to learn more about the incident, but it was not investigated. Two people walking dogs around the lake this afternoon said they hadn’t heard about the bizarre incident.
Poisoned meatballs found in 2013 (Facebook/AIMSS)
In the past, “we had a good idea of where [poisoned meatballs] were being placed, so we urged people to be extra vigilant in those areas,” said Krista Maloney of SF SPCA. Starting in 2013, poison was found in dog parks across the city, sickening at least one dog and killing a 7-year-old dachshund in Twin Peaks. A $25,000 reward was posted for information that would lead to an arrest, but no one was ever charged.
Though it's unclear why or how the chocolate ended up in the dog park, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, a stimulant derived from cocoa that’s tolerated by humans but is too toxic for dogs. In canines, theobromine raises heart rates to dangerous levels and lowers blood pressure. Left untreated, theobromine can cause cardiac arrest.
Canine chocolate toxicity varies according to the quantity and type of chocolate ingested, but symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing and seizures. If your dog shows symptoms of poisoning, the SPCA recommends bringing them to your veterinarian immediately. “The sooner we can start treatment, the better,” said Maloney.
“We always advise people to be really careful when they’re walking their dog in a public area,” said Maloney. “Keep your dog on a leash if you’re not in a dog park, and be really careful about anything they put in their mouth.”
If you find suspicious food in areas where dogs walk and play, call Animal Care & Control at (415) 554-9400.
