Reward offered in dog poisonings case

SANDPOINT - The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for poisoned meat left on a U.S. Forest Service trail.

Authorities believe the laced sausage was meant to kill carnivorous wildlife such as wolves, but was consumed by a Clark Fork woman's dogs. All three dogs were sickened and one died.

"Leaving out poison with the intention of illegally killing wildlife is a serious crime. It's tragic that a family dog lost his life due to the callous actions of the perpetrator," Lisa Kauffman, Idaho director for the HSUS, said in a statement announcing the reward.

Fish and Game, Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are investigating. Those with information are asked to call Fish and Game's Citizens Against Poaching hotline at (800) 632-5999.

"The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Idaho Department of Fish & Game and U.S. Fish & Wildlife for their tireless work to solve this case," Kauffman said.