Narcotic Poisoning Suspected After Multiple Dogs In Prospect Park Become Sick

dogs in nethermead
Photo via Randi Lass

On October 3, Garry Osgood, president of FIDO (Fellowship For The Interests of Dogs & Their Owners) reached out to the FIDO community, alerting them to recent potential dog poisonings.

On FIDO’s Facebook page, Osgood writes that “two very similar incidents in the Nethermead [in Prospect Park] less than a month apart, and area vets noticing an uptick in reports about the Nethermead is sufficient reason to give people a general heads-up.”

A FIDO member who is referred to as J.A.B. told the community that the poisonings took place on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, October 2. Both dogs survived after being rushed to the vet.

“It should be noted that neither of these dogs is ever allowed outside of the field to roam in wooded areas or paths, so contact with rabies baits is not likely,” adds J.A.B.

Although it is unclear as to the exact reason for these poisonings, Osgood explains that canine toxic agents listed by the Humane Society “include many innocent seeming things.”

“Human faeces [sic], unfortunately common in the park, [is] a source of secondary poisoning. Many substances harmless (or at least, not immediately fatal) to humans pass through to faeces [sic], there for any critter that likes it to eat such,” writes Osgood. “The narcotics users are ‘taking dumps in the park’ that are subsequently munched on by dogs is a pretty easy conclusion to reach, especially since vets are identifying the agent as a narcotic, but one shouldn’t overlook other possibilities.”

Osgood wants to make sure that dog owners have contact information if an emergency arises.

The specialty and emergency care animal hospitals have 24/7 hot lines:
BluePearl, 32 4th Avenue (at Pacific Street), 718-596-0099.
Veterinary Emergency & Referral Group (VERG), 318 Warren Street (between Smith ans Court Streets), 718-522-9400 and 2220 Flatbush Avenue (between Avenue R and Fillore Avenue), 718-522-9400.

The links to these two organizations below provide a wealth of background information and practical pointers on what to do if you suspect your pet has ingested poison.

PetPoisonHotline.com, 855-764-7661 (Note: $49.00 initial consultation fee)
ASPCA Animal Poison Control , 888-426-4435 (Note: $65.00 initial consultation fee)

“During business hours, or if they have their own emergency program, one’s own vet should be at the top of the list. They have the pet’s case history. In any case, people should program these numbers into their cells or smart phones,” advises Osgood. “Not just for the Nethermead; but for the day this winter when you happen to look down and spy your dog licking from a bright green anti-freeze puddle. Today it is the Nethermead that has caught our attention; but a dog can get a toxic kick pretty much anywhere in our fine borough.”