WABASHA -- Authorities have launched a criminal investigation after two family dogs died and a father and daughter became ill from what authorities believe was a poisoned deer carcass.
Wabasha County Sheriff Rodney Bartsh said officials have a "strong belief" the dogs ate meat from poisoned deer carcasses intended to kill coyotes in the area.
Eva and Randy Dankers called the sheriff's department Friday after their two pet dogs, Miley and Fergie, died and Randy and daughter, Briana, became ill and were taken to Saint Marys Hospital for treatment.
Sheriff's investigators, along with representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, were at the family farm in Pepin Township overlooking Lake Pepin on Sunday, trying to determine the next course of action. The Rochester Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Team also was on hand.
Cleanup concerns
Bartsh said that in addition to the criminal investigation, there also is concern about how best to clean up any contamination.
"We don't know what pesticide was used yet," the sheriff said. Autopsies may have to be done on the dogs to make that determination. Bartsh said they have identified a person they suspect poisoned the deer carcasses with the intent to kill coyotes.
"Right now, we are mainly concerned about clean-up,'' the sheriff said.
All neighbors in the vicinity have been called and alerted to the death of the Dankers' pets and cautioned to keep their own pets from running loose and possibly coming in contact with the contamination.
Investigation continues
Bartsh said the poison could have an effect on wildlife in the area, nesting eagles, as well as ground water and soil. He said representatives from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will both be involved. He said it is known that some pieces of contaminated meat were tossed over a nearby cliff, and he noted that wild animals could drag contaminated carcass meat across the area.
He said he will be meeting with the county attorney as well, but said it will be some time before the investigation is complete to determine if criminal charges are warranted.
Wabasha County Sheriff Rodney Bartsh said officials have a "strong belief" the dogs ate meat from poisoned deer carcasses intended to kill coyotes in the area.
Eva and Randy Dankers called the sheriff's department Friday after their two pet dogs, Miley and Fergie, died and Randy and daughter, Briana, became ill and were taken to Saint Marys Hospital for treatment.
Sheriff's investigators, along with representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, were at the family farm in Pepin Township overlooking Lake Pepin on Sunday, trying to determine the next course of action. The Rochester Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Team also was on hand.
Cleanup concerns
Bartsh said that in addition to the criminal investigation, there also is concern about how best to clean up any contamination.
"We don't know what pesticide was used yet," the sheriff said. Autopsies may have to be done on the dogs to make that determination. Bartsh said they have identified a person they suspect poisoned the deer carcasses with the intent to kill coyotes.
"Right now, we are mainly concerned about clean-up,'' the sheriff said.
All neighbors in the vicinity have been called and alerted to the death of the Dankers' pets and cautioned to keep their own pets from running loose and possibly coming in contact with the contamination.
Investigation continues
Bartsh said the poison could have an effect on wildlife in the area, nesting eagles, as well as ground water and soil. He said representatives from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will both be involved. He said it is known that some pieces of contaminated meat were tossed over a nearby cliff, and he noted that wild animals could drag contaminated carcass meat across the area.
He said he will be meeting with the county attorney as well, but said it will be some time before the investigation is complete to determine if criminal charges are warranted.