Dog Death Count From 'Toxic' Bucks Co. Park Up To 10, Report Says

Residents in Upper Bucks County are going public with their concerns about toxic chemicals at a local park, which they believe could be behind at least 10 dog deaths, according to a report.

Numerous Springfield Township residents say they believe herbicides used at Peppermint Park caused cancer in their dogs. As many as 10 dog owners who say they frequented the park have come forward to say their dogs died of cancer, according to a new report by the Bucks County Herald.

The herbicide known as 2-4D is sprayed in the park by a hay farmer as part of a leasing agreement with the township.

Resident David Bretz went public with his story this month. He told WFMZ that he had two dogs die within 30 days of each other after routinely playing at the park, which has a dual use policy so it can be farmed for hay.

RELATED: Bucks Co. Park Blamed For Dog Deaths

The situation got so much attention that reporters with 6ABC aired coverage from the Tuesday night meeting, which was packed with residents who spoke about how they lost their dogs to cancer after using the park.

The Bucks County Herald report said in addition to Bretz's case, nine more instances of canine cancer have emerged. All of the dogs who got cancer spent time in Peppermint Park or live near the park, the report said.

Springfield Township officials said they plan to address the situation at a meeting in April.

Photo via Emily Holland/Patch