An additional $1,000 is being added to a $1,000 reward to help catch the person(s) who poisoned and killed at least ten dogs at a Lincoln Park trailer park. The death toll could rise, as some pets remained missing on Tuesday.
“We at El Rey are deeply saddened by the tragic events that transpired this past weekend. We are working closely with the authorities to try to bring the individual or individuals to justice,” said a statement from the El Rey Trailer Park on lower 47th Street.
The owners of the trailer park are offering an additional $1,000 reward to anyone who has information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.
“Our hearts go out to our grieving residents,” read the statement.
Animal Field Officers were called to the trailer park on Saturday and found five dogs dead upon arrival. They found three more poisoned dogs dead on Sunday and two more on Monday morning.
Madlein Chavez's 4-year-old Chihuahua, a gift from her boyfriend, was among them. She says “Peewee” was part of the family. She even dressed him up in sweaters.
"My eyes got all watery, because I never thought my dog was going to die that quick," said Chavez.
The dogs belong to several different owners. Many of them suffered violent seizures, foaming at the mouth.
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One of the dogs left behind several puppies.
"You know, there's a lot of conjecture about 'Oh, so-and-so's a dog hater', but nothing has panned out to this point,” said Chief Randy Lawrence from the San Diego Humane Society.
Investigators say dogs are known to run freely in the complex. They believe someone got fed up with what some consider a nuisance and took things into their own hands.
Investigators say it will take time for toxicology tests to reveal what kind of poison was used.
If you have any information regarding this case, please call (888) 580-8477.
The crime carries a sentence of one year in prison and a $20,000 fine. Multiple convictions technically could bring consecutive sentences.
A community meeting is planned for 7p.m. Tuesday evening at the El Rey Trailer Plaza.
