MEDICINE PARK, Oklahoma (KSWO) – Medicine Park officials are investigating potential animal poisoning and warning people of the consequences of harm to wildlife and cats in the area.
Some parkies believe that people are using the city to dump unwanted animals, which has increased the stray cat population. A woman who is working to find a home for the cats says that someone may spread poison to get rid of them.
It started on the weekend with this video of a raccoon acting strangely in broad daylight.
Police Chief Tom Crawford said a resident notified him on Saturday.
“I received a report on Saturday about a raccoon that might have been poisoned,” Crawford said. “We have had some complaints about raccoons in the area. Of course we are in a rural area. “
While Crawford said there was no evidence that the animal was poisoned, it is still being investigated.
“I had the mayor post on the mayor’s website that we are looking into this, and if we can actually determine that raccoons or other wildlife have been poisoned, we will take appropriate action,” Crawford said.
Mayor Roger Johnson, a retired veterinarian, posted on Facebook Monday, saying in part, “It is evident that someone is handing out spoiled cat food to poison animals. This is illegal and punishable by law. Please keep an eye out for such activities and report them when you see them. “
At some of Medicine Park’s recent city council meetings, members have spoken about wildcat overpopulation.
Janice Holmes, who owns a shop on Cobblestone Row, said she believed someone might be trying to get rid of her on purpose.
“The fact that someone would,” said Holmes. “Let’s all work together and responsibly fix this forever. You can’t treat an animal like that. “
She often tries to save the kittens and find homes.
“You know you can call me and I will come to your home or where you found the cat,” said Holmes. “I will help you. I will catch the animal and take care of it myself. I’ll take it to the vet. I take responsibility for the bills and everything. “
But the fire chief and another business owner don’t believe anyone is poisoning wildlife or any other animal.
They said that when the cats get sick, it’s because they eat things out of dumpsters.
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