Dog exposed to drugs at a local park

This article has been updated from a previous version. This article now includes a statement from the City of Bowling Green.

Bowling Green, KY. – Traces of drug paraphernalia are becoming increasingly common in areas that your family may frequent. Just this weekend, a local family was enjoying Roland Bland Park with their family dog, Boone.

Shortly after leaving, Boone was displaying symptoms of contact with drug paraphernalia. He was stumbling, urinating on himself and acting lethargic. He was then rushed to the emergency vet.

Dr. Vicky McGrath, Veterinarian at All Creatures Animal Hospital, says, “Everything is more readily available whether it’s legal or illegal. It’s just easier to get. So, I think that just puts our pets and our children at risk because of that.”

Veterinarians test urine with drug test kits to quickly understand if drugs are the cause. Symptoms may show as depressant or hyperactive depending on the drug, but most drugs present the same symptoms.

Dr. McGrath adds, “If you go for a walk, watch what your pets are picking up because if they run off leash somewhere and they’ve got their nose under a bush or somewhere, or get into some trash that someone has left laying around, just watch. Try not to let them get into that.”

Many vets recommend being vigilant in watching your pets, and if you suspect your pet has consumed or been exposed to any drug, you should seek veterinary care immediately.

The City of Bowling Green released the following statement in response to the original report.

“Our parks are the crown jewels of our community, and safety is our number one priority for our residents and visitors. All parks are cleaned daily to serve the thousands of people who visit them annually. Additionally, when officers with the Bowling Green Police Department first read about this incident in a social media post, officers immediately went to the park, walked the area, and looked for any dangerous substances. None were found. We strongly urge the public to call the city police anytime anyone sees something that they believe to be drug paraphernalia or if anyone sees another person engaged in illegal activity in our parks so that our police can address the matter promptly and also properly dispose of any potential dangerous substances.”

The city can be contacted by phone at 270-393-4000.