Rash Of Animal Poisonings Reported In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A rash of animal poisonings have been reported by neighbors in Minneapolis, police say. The area of concern is around the 4000-4600 blocks of Columbus and the surrounding blocks.

Residents have identified unknown foods being thrown in their property or near it. Animal Care and Control is currently investigating any information that the community can provide.

"Your pet’s safety is in all our hands!" Minneapolis police said in an email. Below are tips to keep your pet safe, provided by city authorities.

What you can do:

• If you see something, say something. Call 911 for any suspicious activity. Examples may be someone dropping items in a fenced in area, giving treats to pets that are not theirs or feeding squirrels with what is suspicious.
• If you feel that someone is trying to poison your dog, and you find food or a substance that has been left for him, you have a couple of options.
  • Call 311 to have Animal Care and Control pick it up to have it tested. You can try to pick it up in a zip lock bag or you can leave it where you found it until an Agent can get there.
  • Call 911 and have a squad pick up the item where it will be property inventoried for Animal Care and Control to pick it up.
• If you have security cameras on your home or garages that can pick up outside activity, please review them for any suspicious activity.
• A suggestion from one resident stated; when throwing away food in your garbage or compost containers, make sure that the containers are not broken and/or accessible to squirrels or other animals.
• Make sure your dog does not consume any strange food when on a walk or playing in the park.
  • Teach your dog a strong recall such as “leave it” and “drop it” behavior.
  • If your dog is a constant muncher on walks, consider investing in a basket muzzle.

Image via nathanmac87 , Flickr, used under Creative Commons