Toxic Meat, Any Doggie? Encino Pet Poisonings Force Neighborhood Into High Alert
Encino residents may not be permitting their pets to roam without supervision due to several local incidents involving pet poisoning.
Zoe, a ten-pound Yorkshire Terrier, suffered the first poisoning, as reported by The Daily News. Zoe experienced seizures and lethargy. Zoe's owner, Felice Catena, suffered a $4,800 veterinary bill.
Two other neighboring canines fell victim to poisoning a few months after Zoe's recovery. A Boxer suffered similar symptoms but did not survive. Last week toxic meat wrapped in cellophane was discovered in the backyard of a Rottweiler who was diagnosed with ingesting rat poison. All three incidents occurred on the same street.
Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS) warned residents to be be on "high alert" for suspicious activity. The city's Animal Cruelty Task Force launched an investigation yesterday after learning of the events.
"There are several things that strike me as heinous about someone putting poison meat in yards to be consumed by innocent animals," said LAAS General Manager Brenda Barnette. "Although children may not eat the meat, they could certainly get the poison on their hands and accidentally ingest it."
