At least three family dogs, along with 14 coyotes, three javelinas, and a raven, have tragically died from suspected poisonings in the Tucson area. This alarming incident highlights the risks to both wildlife and pets, and we want to make sure our community is aware of the potential dangers in the area.
What Happened in Tucson?
On January 28, 2025, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) issued a warning after several dead animals were discovered in the Pantano Wash area, located east of Houghton and west of Old Spanish Trail. Among the victims were multiple wildlife species, including coyotes, javelinas, and a raven. Unfortunately, family pets were also affected.
Fritz Neuhauser, a local pet owner, lost his beloved dog, Luigi, who went missing during a walk late last week. After a few days of searching, Fritz discovered that his dog had died, likely from poisoning. Tragically, this wasn’t an isolated case. Several other pet owners have reported their dogs going missing, only to later find that their pets had fallen victim to this poison.
Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, wildlife veterinarian for the AGFD, suspects that the poison used may be strychnine or another fast-acting toxin, based on the condition of the stomach contents of the animals. While officials continue to investigate, it’s clear that the poison was likely placed in food to attract both wildlife and pets.
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
If you're in the Tucson area or frequently walk your pets along trails, it’s important to stay vigilant. Symptoms of poisoning in pets include:
Excessive salivation
Seizures
Collapse
Sudden weakness or lethargy
If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, seek immediate veterinary attention. The faster you act, the better the chances for your pet's recovery.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Pet
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is actively investigating the poisonings, but in the meantime, here’s how you can protect your pets:
Keep pets on a leash when walking in areas like Pantano Wash or nearby trails.
Don’t allow your dog to eat anything off the ground, especially in these areas.
Stay alert for signs of poisoning, and if your dog exhibits symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately.
This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers that can exist in our environment, and the importance of keeping pets safe from harm. It’s not just about preventing them from consuming harmful substances—it's also about being vigilant as a community and looking out for one another.
How We Can Help
At Life of Miracles Foundation, we are deeply committed to protecting animals—whether they are pets or wildlife. As we continue to care for disabled animals and advocate for their well-being, we want to ensure that all animals are kept safe from preventable harm.
We urge the community to share information about this incident, report any suspicious activity to authorities, and stay aware of potential risks in the area. If you have any concerns or if you’re unsure about what to do, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or local authorities for guidance.
Take Action:
If you have any information about the poisoning incidents, please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-352-0700.
Together, we can work to keep our pets safe and make sure incidents like this don’t go unnoticed. Your vigilance helps protect the animals we all care about.
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