3 Pet Dogs, 20 Wild Animals Die From Suspected Poisoning in Arizona

Arizona state officials have launched an investigation into the suspected poisoning of animals that left three dogs and 20 wildlife animals dead in Tucson earlier this month.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) discovered the remains of 15 coyotes, three javelinas and one raven over the weekend in what the department believes to be a deliberate attack. These remains appeared in a wash, a dry river bed, within about a two-mile radius. The area is frequented by hikers, horseback riders and animals.

Mark Frieberg from AZGFD told Newsweek on Thursday that the investigation started on January 22. They recovered the remains of these animals over a few days, with the latest coyote being discovered on Tuesday. A few pet parents also reported their dogs had passed due to poisoning.

A few animal remains have since been sent to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory for necropsies and tests. Frieberg said until the test results come back, the department is unsure if these animals ingested the poison or breathed in the toxins. He added that the department can assume what the potential substances might have been, but for now, they are awaiting confirmation.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department launched an investigation into the suspected poisoning of wildlife in Tucson. DarienP/Getty Images

When asked why the department thinks it was a deliberate attack, Frieberg said: "It's just an unusually high number of dead animals for it to be some type of coincidence."

From what he recalls, Frieberg said, there has not been a similar incident in Tucson of this scale.

Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, the department's wildlife veterinarian, told the Arizona Daily Star that she suspects the poison to be strychnine or some type of "fast-acting poison." This is due to how the animals' stomachs appeared upon evaluation. However, investigators have yet to find any bait placed in the area, the article reported.

An article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website said strychnine is a white, odorless, bitter crystalline powder mainly used as a pesticide, particularly used to kill rats. The poison can be taken by mouth, breathed in or mixed as a solution and injected into the vein.

Signs are posted throughout the area cautioning residents of the potential toxic substances. Frieberg encourages people to call the department with any information.

"One of the things we recommend is keeping dogs on leash," Frieberg said.

Keeping dogs on a leash will discourage them from ingesting found items. If a pet does eat something suspicious, seek immediate veterinary care. Residents are also advised not to touch any animal remains.