Dog dies, another sickened after apparently eating poison at Newburyport park

One dog died and another was taken to the vet after reportedly eating poison while being walked in Moseley Woods in Newburyport over the weekend, officials said. 

An owner was walking their two dogs when they both “ate poison that was thrown out on the sides of the trail behind a garage at Moseley Woods,” Newbury Animal Control Office said in a statement on Monday. 

Both dogs were taken to the vet and one later died, according to the statement. 

In an update Wednesday, the animal control office said it cannot confirm whether the incident occurred “within the woods” or if “other factors were involved.”

“We have no reason to believe that anything was done to intentionally poison the dogs,” Newburyport Animal Control said in the update. “We have inspected the woods and have not found anything that is a current threat or source of alarm.”

In Monday’s post, the office said it warned owners about the situation so they could be “vigilant” around the area. Officials also said they were hoping the incident was not intentional and that the dogs got into something like rodenticide accidentally. 

“It is crucial to recognize that dogs can encounter various hazards while exploring nature, such as mushrooms, eating sticks, etc.,” Newburyport Animal Control said in Wednesday’s update. “We want to reassure the community that, to the best of our knowledge, there is currently no identified risk posed intentionally to dogs in the area.”

The office reminded owners to keep their dogs from eating anything they find on the ground and to seek veterinary attention if their pets display unusual symptoms. 

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Newburyport Animal Control Office, which can be reached at (978) 465 – 4410. 

“The Parks Department is aware of the situation and will continue to keep and eye out at Moseley Woods,” the office said. “Our hearts go out to the affected owner during this time, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them.”

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