Dog lovers across the borough remain on high alert after a creepy Craigslist post threatened to poison pooches with deadly dog treats.
“Too many dogs!” read the post, which has since been taken down by the Web site. “Too many pissing and s—ting everywhere. Kill them! Cull the herd! I am leaving poison in bits of meat and gravy dog food. Poison the dogs!!”
The good news? No evidence of poison has been found, according to the Parks Department. But the agency isn’t burying its head.
“We are aware of the threat, and although it may well be a hoax, we are taking it seriously,” said Parks Department spokesman Phil Abramson. “We are working with the NYPD, the Department of Health, Animal Care and Control, and the ASPCA to investigate the matter.
“We are also, out of an abundance of caution, notifying dog run groups and users so they can be alert to possible malicious acts. Parks Patrol will be spot-checking dog runs,” Abramson added.
The Craigslist post was removed from the popular online classified site soon after it was posted, thanks to vigilance by dog owners, including Dyker Heights Civic Association communications director and animal lover Jennifer DeFrank, who sent out an e-mail blast cautioning pet owners.
“If you use the Dyker Beach dog run or Owls Head Park, or know a dog owner who does, please read and pass along,” wrote DeFrank.
Most dog lovers remain undaunted by the freaky report, courageously walking their dogs despite the threat.
“I think it’s a nut job,” said Rissa Peckar, who owns two dogs in Marine Park.
“They [the Parks Department] don’t want to dismiss any threat and we should all be cautious all of the time.”
Caution about the would-be serial pooch poisoner spread citywide on the wings of animal blogs and other Web sites this week.
— with Stephen Witt
