Family’s dog recovering after eating poisoned meat
By Yunier Martinez, Jackson Stoever
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SAINT ALBANS CITY, Vermont (WPTZ) — Authorities in St. Albans are investigating a disturbing incident after a family’s dog reportedly ate meat laced with rat poison in its own backyard.
Veterinarians at Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists said the dog, named Hank, was brought in for emergency treatment after ingesting what appeared to be raw ground meat filled with poison.
The nightmare started in the family’s backyard with one of Hank’s favorite hobbies, a game of fetch.
That is when they found lumps of raw meat with green pellets mixed in, which owners Erin Langevin and Reid Atwood believed to be rat poison.
“It’s just uncalled for. It’s not right,” Atwood said. “It’s like attempted murder, that’s how we feel.”
According to the family, they acted quickly, inducing vomiting before rushing Hank to the clinic. That quick response, doctors said, likely saved his life.
“Decontamination is a big key in toxicity,” said Dr. Eric Weiner, an emergency veterinarian at BEVS. “A lot of times, as long as they’re mentally appropriate, if they’re already showing clinical signs, then inducing vomiting would not be a good thing to do. But in this case, he was acting okay. So the family induced vomiting, they got a lot out. We never know if it’s all of it, how much is left, so that’s why we’re still being overly cautious.”
Staff at BEVS said they’re hopeful he will not suffer any long-term effects.
“These animals are innocent creatures. They live to please us. I don’t know why anyone would want to harm an animal. I’m speechless,” Weiner said.
The family later shared an update on Facebook saying Hank is now recovering and in good spirits.
Their quiet neighborhood is now on edge, with fellow dog owners on the block now looking to add to their security systems.
“We had neighbors approach us asking how Hank is, and if there’s anything they can do,” Langevin said. “They’re concerned for their own safety.”
Hank’s family is just thankful to still have their four-legged companion by their side.
“Ever since he’s walked into our home, he’s just been our world. I can’t live without him,” Langevin said. “I don’t know what I would have done if this turned south.”
Meanwhile, St. Albans police continue to investigate who may have placed the poisoned meat in the yard.
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