Poisonings in 3 towns; Pets given strychnine, antifreeze

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 18, 2000

Three towns may share something frightening in common - pet poisonings.

Authorities are investigating a link between dog poisonings in Caon City and Penrose in Fremont County and Blue River in Park County. Each of the cities this year have had confirmed cases of attempted poisonings, mostly dogs.

In Caon City and the neighboring town of Penrose, more than 30 pets have been poisoned and another 30 died after probably eating food tainted with strychnine or ethylene glycol, a chemical found in antifreeze.

In Blue River, a town near Breckenridge in Park County, six cases of attempted poisonings have been discovered. No deaths have been confirmed, said Town Marshal Steve Ford.

"We got really lucky," he said. "People here are really, really watching."

The first incident occurred in October, he said. The last occurred in March. In November, he said, a couple walking their dog found a six-inch filet mignon on a popular path. Their dog nibbled on it, but dropped it. The couple had the meat tested, confirming that it was tainted with antifreeze.

"We sent fliers all over town and had it published in the paper," Ford said. "We have leads coming in all the time. But we don't have anything concrete."

Pet lovers in the town of 1,800 gathered $10,000 for a reward that leads to an arrest of anyone connected to the crime. In Fremont County, the investigation continues into the dog deaths. Residents there have gathered $2,000 for a reward.

Ford is worried that the melting snow may uncover more tainted meat.

"People who are visiting here should be aware," he said.

- Jeremy Meyer; The Gazette