Investigation Begun on Poisoning of Domestic Dogs

In April, large links of homemade sausage were observed in the East Fork of the Lightning Creek drainage in Bonner County near Clark Fork, Idaho. The sausage links were found on national forest property. Unfortunately, one of the links was picked up and quickly consumed by a pet dog while hiking with its owner. The animal died. Two other dogs have been reported poisoned by eating poisoned meat links in the same area. Additional samples found in the area were collected, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service forensics lab has determined the sausage was laced with an insecticide known as Carbaryl. Due to the rural location of the insecticide laced poison, law enforcement officials suspect that whoever placed it was targeting carnivorous wildlife. The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA criminal investigators and the Idaho Department of Fish Game are investigating. Investigators are interested in anyone with information regarding who may have made and placed the poisoned meat. "The poison could have been consumed by a child, as it was placed right in the walking trail. Had that happened, we would be dealing with a human fatality." Fish and Game Conservation Officer Matt Haag said. "Having a family lose a pet is a tragedy and reason enough to be alarmed. We need to catch the person responsible for this act and we are asking for help from the public". There is a reward for information that leads to an arrest. As always, callers may remain anonymous. Information may be provided to the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline, 1-800-632-5999.