SF Animal Control finds 'no evidence' of poisoned meatballs in Duboce Park

In this file photo, dogs play at San Francisco's Duboce Park. In this file photo, dogs play at San Francisco's Duboce Park. Photo: Brant Ward Photo: Brant Ward Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close SF Animal Control finds 'no evidence' of poisoned meatballs in Duboce Park 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

San Francisco Animal Care and Control officials say there's no evidence that someone is trying to poison the city's pets after a sickened dog renewed fears of tainted meatballs being planted around the city.

In 2013, investigators suspected strychnine baked in to meatballs had killed a 7-year-old dachshund made another dog seriously ill. Months later, city investigators found 35 tainted meatballs placed around the Twin Peaks area. Similar incidents in the Sunset District and Santa Rosa had dog owners on alert. Nobody was ever arrested in connection with the incidents, but reports of the tainted treats died out about two years ago.

Rumors resurfaced earlier this week after a dog owner suggested his pet had been killed by a poisoned meatball eaten in Duboce Park. Animal Care and Control officials say they've investigated, but found no evidence of dogs being actively targeted.

"There is no proof that there was poison," said Deb Campbell of Animal Care and Control. "Our officers searched the park and found nothing."

Campbell said no necropsy was performed on the dog in question, so it was not clear what made the animal sick. She said it's always wise to keep a close eye on what your animal is eating in the park, but urged dog owners not to panic about an ongoing threat.

Anyone who spots suspicious behavior in a dog park is urged to call the department's emergency dispatch line at 415-554-4900.