Several dogs in Wildwood became sick this week after ingesting some kibble strewn on the ground in the neighborhood’s popular Sunset Park.
Judy LaFortune’s seven-year-old Labrador Kota became ill on Monday after eating some kibble on the ground during their usual morning walk at the park.
“She was drooling heavily and started foaming at the mouth,” said LaFortune. ”It was shocking.”
The following day Jacqueline Huddleston’s husky Sophie and lab cross Lily exhibited similar symptoms.
“They were both frothing at the mouth and my little one started vomiting and having diarrhea at the same time; that’s when I saw the kibble,” said Huddleston. “At that point I was pretty upset and it didn’t really click in my head that they must have eaten something in the park.”
Huddleston took her dogs to a local veterinarian, where it was determined they were suffering from pancreatitis. She said she was told it was likely a deliberate act and the kibble the dogs had eaten may have been poisoned. At that point the RCMP was contacted.
An investigation is currently underway, according to Powell River RCMP sergeant Kevin Day. He reminds pet owners to be aware.
“It’s not possible to watch your dogs all the time as to what they’re eating,” said Day, “but certainly if they’re eating something that looks foreign or suspicious, definitely remain vigilant and use care.”
The kibble was really difficult to spot as it was scattered under trees, said LaFortune.
“We wouldn’t know where to look to pick it up,” she added. “We tried, but it’s very hard to see.”
BC SPCA Powell River and District branch manager Tara Daniels said cases of a potential poisoning are a rare occurrence in the region.
“We haven’t had any reports like this before; it’s definitely a new one,” she said. “It’s a good reminder to be cautious with our dogs off leash. It only takes a couple seconds for them to get into something.”
Huddleston’s pets are currently convalescing and awaiting more test results. Her vet bills for this ordeal have already exceeded $2,000.
“They’re on the mend, but we won’t know that there’s no permanent damage until we have the results of the blood work,” she said.
In the meantime, she added that the incident will not stop her and other dog owners from frequenting the park.
“We’re not going to let it deter us; it’s an important part of exercising our dogs,” said Huddleston. “We’re just going to have to be super vigilant.”
