From NYCDog:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 10, 2006

Central Park Paws alerted dog owners that on the morning of August 9th, a dog being walked in Central Park found a brown paper bag tied with ribbons and promptly torn it open to gain access to what proved to be chopped meat laced with straight pins (Central Park alert is below). Though severely injured by more than 30 ingested pins, thanks to the efforts of a caring Veterinarian, the dog will survive.

Unfortunately, sick people like the individual who planted the chopped meat exist everywhere. Each year we are alarmed by reports of Halloween candy laced with similar items. And recently, we have all read of a psychopath who poisoned a church picnic to inflict pain or death on his fellow church members. Fortunately these people are a small minority of society and most people do not act in such anti-social ways.

Sadly, the booby-trapped meat was meant to lure dogs so that they might be injured or killed. This individual is sick, malevolent, and dangerous to both dogs and citizens alike. People like this are no better than terrorists who would destroy our society and as such should be treated no differently when apprehended.

Any claims that may be made by some people that this incident would not have happened had the injured dog been on-leash should be dismissed as political posturing. As any responsible dog owner knows, discarded food on the streets and within parks –whether poisoned or not- is an almost irresistible lure to dogs. Many dogs are able to consume items found on the street within seconds and without missing a stride while on walks.

As responsible citizens, all of us should respect one another, be on the look-out for nuts who would hurt our pets, children, elderly, tourists, and our families. We urge park users to be to be on the alert for any items that might pose a threat and to immediately report any suspicions to the proper authorities. Do not touch anything.

NYCdog reminds all dog owners to constantly monitor their dogs whether on or off-leash. Do not allow dogs to roam through woodlands, underbrush, and flowerbeds. Do not allow your dogs to enter children’s playgrounds, ball fields, or any other designated-use area. Clean-up after your dogs. And, above all, respect all citizens and our parks.

The NEW YORK COUNCIL OF DOG OWNER GROUPS (NYCDOG) is a coalition of 35 dog owner groups throughout New York City representing over 25,000 dog owners. NYCDOG was founded to unite dog owners and dog owner groups throughout New York. We are dedicated to improving our communities by promoting the establishment and maintenance of humane off leash recreation opportunities, responsible dog ownership and respectful park stewardship.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Robert A. Marino
President
NYCdog.org