Officials Investigate Thumbtacks Scattered In Grassy Dog-Walking Area

SOUTHEAST, NY — Law enforcement officials are probing what is being described as the intentional throwing of sharp metal thumbtacks in an area frequented by at least one dog walker.

The Putnam County SPCA Law Enforcement Division said it is seeking information regarding the throwing of metal thumbtacks in a grassy area of Twin Brook Manor in the Town of Southeast. A resident who normally walks their dog in the rear of the 200 block of houses noticed dozens of metal tacks in the grass on Tuesday.

The dog walker collected several dozen and notified the Putnam County SPCA. An investigation of the area resulted in the agency finding an additional 43 tacks, bringing the total number of sharp hazards to nearly 100.

"Anyone who willfully throws anything that can wound, disable, or injure any animal is guilty of a crime in New York State," according to the agency.

The Putnam County SPCA asks anyone with information regarding this incident to contact them at 845-520-6915. Calls can remain anonymous, according to officials.