SAN DIEGO, CA — A beloved family dog in Sorrento Valley is fortunate to be alive after chewing on meat laced with what appeared to be rat poison and metal hooks that someone left in the backyard, the dog’s owner told reporters.
The incident involving Bruno, a 2-year-old golden retriever, occurred on Dec. 12 when owner Sabrina Bazzo found the dog chewing something unusual in the yard. “It was pretty small, like maybe the size of the palm of your hand,” Bazzo said, noting the object had string wrapped around it and was anything but a toy.
Upon closer inspection, Bazzo said she found blue-colored poison and metal-like hooks hidden inside the meat. The animal hospital later determined the substance was most likely rat poison, and Bruno was treated by having the poison and hooks induced from his system before more serious harm could occur.
Bazzo believes someone may have thrown the poisoned bait over her backyard fence, though she says she does not know which neighbor might be responsible. “For the most part, we have good relations with our neighbors,” she told reporters, “but I don’t know all of my neighbors as well as I should.”
The San Diego Humane Society’s Law Enforcement division has confirmed it is investigating the suspected act of animal cruelty. In a statement shared with local media, officials urged residents to contact them if they witness suspicious activity involving pets or find dangerous items in their yards. Intentionally harming an animal is a crime in California and can be prosecuted accordingly.
Authorities are asking neighbors to review home security footage and report any information that could help identify the person responsible. For now, the incident has prompted concern and caution among residents in the quiet San Diego neighborhood.
