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Community Corner

Update: Two Leesburg Dogs Euthanized Due to Poisoning

The Loudoun County Animal Shelter is continuing to investigate after a local resident found unidentified food in her backyard, which contained traces of anti-freeze.

 

Loudoun County Animal Services spokesperson Laura Rizer confirmed Friday morning that two dogs have died due to antifreeze poisoning in the area of Whipp Drive S.E. in Leesburg.

According to officials, the incident occurred on Saturday, Nov. 26 after a seven-year-old poodle and a six-year-old Cairn Terrier were suspected to have consumed a substance that was left in the owner’s yard. Symptoms were reportedly consistent with anti-freeze poisoning. Rizer said toxicology reports confirmed the findings on Thursday, Dec. 1.

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"We are activley investigating and and looking for anyone who may have information on someone who maybe was seen in the area leaning over a fence or something like that or people who may know someone who had issue with these dogs or this person," Rizer said.

Pet owner Janice Raleigh said she realized both of her dogs were acting strange last Saturday and had been sick all weekend long.

“I took them to the vet when I just couldn’t get them to calm down on Monday,” Raleigh said, who found evidence of what looked like cubed cheese in her backyard, which her dogs had consumed. Concerned, Raleigh said she took both dogs to The LifeCentre on Monday where they were later put down that day.

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“The doctor told me that after he spoke with poison control he just felt like it could be no other thing than anti-freeze,” Raleigh said, adding that Animal Control had tested a sample of the food on Monday night.

“I’m afraid somebody else’s dog is going to pick it up” Raleigh said. “There are so many dogs where I live.

“I’m scared to bring another dog into my backyard now.”

A similar case occurred on July 29, 2010 when another Leesburg dog ate a substance that had been left in its yard in the 600 block of York Lane. Investigators soon determined that the mixture was consistent with antifreeze and a meat product, which caused the dog to become ill and die.

Rizer said anyone who is concerned about their pets safety should not leave them unattended outside. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re always behind a fence or on a lease, she said. If they are going to be outside check on them often and interact as much as possible.  

Anyone with information about this recent incident is asked to call Loudoun County Animal Control at 703-777-0406 or Leesburg Police at 703-777-4500. Leesburg Patch will provide more updates as soon as they become available.

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