Suspected Rat Poison Sickens Dog, Shutting Down Park In Santa Clara

SANTA CLARA, CA — A section of a Santa Clara park has been temporarily closed after a resident's dog became sick from ingesting pellets suspected to be rodent poison on Monday, city officials said.

Around 5,000 sq. ft. of Jenny Strand Park is currently closed, and residents were instructed to avoid the area and comply with posted notices.

The resident alerted the City, and while the dog was sickened, it is now reported to be in stable condition, the city wrote in a statement.

City Parks staff said they immediately cleared visible pellets and are conducting a thorough inspection and investigation of the site.

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The incident has been reported to the Santa Clara Police Department.

The ASPCA advises pet owners on steps to take if a pet ingests rodenticide:

• Identify the Poison: Keep the original packaging or receipt to identify the type of rodenticide, as appearance alone is not sufficient for identification. Treatment is still possible even if the type is unknown.
• Seek Immediate Help: Take your pet and the packaging information to a veterinarian immediately or call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
• Prevent Future Incidents: When placing poison, note the amount and location, check areas regularly, and ensure the bait hasn't been moved. Always consider if a pet can access the location and keep them away from affected areas. All poisons should be securely locked away from pets.

The City emphasized the severity of the matter, stating that any identified suspects will be investigated, and appropriate charges will be forwarded to the District Attorney for prosecution.

Anyone with information about the incident or who has observed suspicious activity in Jenny Stand Park can contact the City of Santa Clara Police Department at 408-615-5580.

Other park-related issues should be directed to the City of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department at 408-615-3163. Updates on the situation will be shared via City social media channels.

If you suspect your pet may have ingested any form of rodenticide, you should immediately contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.