POPLAR PARK POT PARTY POISONS PETS

Durham police have determined that the four dogs, that fell ill after
eating muffins found in Port Perry's Poplar Park last month were poisoned
by marijuana contained in the baked goods.

According to the DRPS, investigators from 15 Division (North Durham)
concluded that the muffins left under a tree in Poplar Park, located at
Ash St. and Allan St. in Port Perry, contained a quantity of marijuana,
allegedly placed in the food by a local youth to serve at a series of
parties over the March Break. Police allege that the food was placed in
the park to dispose of any drug evidence and that no harm was intended
toward people or their pets. According to police, the 18-year-old, who
will not be charged criminally, has agreed to meet with the dog owners
affected by the incident to apologize. The four dogs, that consumed the
muffins on the evening of March 23, were taken to an emergency animal
clinic in Whitby that night, and were later released in stable condition.

Investigators initially believed that the dogs were poisoned by a
substance such as anti-freeze or windshield wiper fluid. Anti-freeze was
ruled out earlier this month by a series of chemical tests, which,
according to the DRPS, could have taken several months to determine the
identity of the toxin.

According to several pet care web sites, marijuana can affect dogs in ways
similar to humans, including hyper-sensitivity to sound, anxiety and
paranoia and even increased appetite. However, a fatal dose for dogs is
estimated at approximately 1.5 grams per pound.

Although there are no off-leash areas in Scugog, pet owners often allow
their animals loose in Poplar Park, which has developed a reputation as an
unofficial dog park.

Margaret Newell, whose dog Abbey was among the animals poisoned, said that
although she doesn't wish to see the youth charged, she wants financial
restitution.

According to Ms. Newell, Abbey's emergency vet visit cost approximately $700.

As of Monday (April 20), Ms. Newell was still waiting to hear from the youth.

"Whether it (recompense) will happen I don't know, but it would be nice,"
said Ms. Newell. "I don't want to see him charged.... It (leaving the
muffins in the park) just seems like something so stupid to do."

Emily Gassien of The Animal Guardian Society (TAGS), a local organization
which finds foster homes for unwanted pets, agreed that those involved in
leaving the muffins in the park should be repaying the affected dog
owners' veterinarian bills.

"I'm just glad it wasn't deliberate," said Ms. Gassien, who lives nearby
and makes use of the park for her animals.