Neighbors Worry Charlestown Dog Might Have Been Poisoned

CHARLESTOWN, MA — Boston Police are investigating and a neighborhood group is warning dog owners to be careful around community parks, after a pup named Gunner showed signs of poisoning and died suddenly this weekend.

The Parks Department has been made aware and are on alert for any potential hazards in public spaces, according to a spokesperson for Charlestown City Councilor Lydia Edwards.

"Our heart goes out to any Charlestown family impacted as well as to Councilor Edwards' canine constituents," said Joel Wool, a spokesperson for Edwards.

Local dog walkers have posted to social media they plan, until more information is available, to avoid Eden Street Park, Doherty Park and Medford Street Park.

The human family of Gunner posted a photo of the dog to social media, saying they believed the dog was deliberately poisoned.

"He is not the only dog to die an identical death within hours of leaving the park," Troy Urquhart posted in a warning to others.

Urquhart said Gunner got sick within hours of visiting the Eden Street Park and then died.

"To our beloved CharlestownDogs Community, by now most of you have heard about the death of a pup named Gunner at Eden Street Park (off of Main Street) over the weekend. The suspected cause of death is poisoning," a group of dog owners called CharlestownDogs posted to social media, shortly after.

In response to the death of the dog and with a similar quick death this fall close in memory, members of the group reached out to local and state representatives who have reached out to the DCR and police, they said.

"There are not a lot of clear facts yet, so we don't want to spread rumors but please keep your pups safe and avoid the area," the group posted Monday.

Tuesday, the posts became more definitive.

"Our hearts go out to the parents of Charlestown pup, Gunner, who was unfairly and tragically poisoned at the Eden St Park Sunday morning," the post on CharlestownDogs read, before offering tips and advice on how to spot poisoning in dogs, and what types of foods to avoid.

"We would also like to add to keep your eyes and ears peeled for any information or individuals who may have something to do with this horrific act. We do our best to keep our town clean, quiet and respect those around us - and we will continue to do so. Nobody should be hurting our animals, especially while we continue to respect our space. All we ask for in return is mutual respect and safety, something we all deserve. We speak and act on behalf of our four-legged family and friends, so let’s please continue to do so and remain vigilant."

Although police and city officials say they don't yet have any evidence to point to in this case, it has happened in Charlestown before. In 2012, police charged an Everett man with poisoning dogs, by cutting up hot dogs that he had soaked in poison and then feeding it to dogs.

Here are some tips on recognizing if your dog has ingested poison.

Previously on Patch:

Timeline: The Dog Poisoning Case (2012)

Bricklayers Fire Alleged Dog Poisoner (2012)

Suspected Dog Poisoner Denies Charges, Held on ( 2012)

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).