RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – People living in a large neighborhood next to Ellsworth Air Force Base are raising concerns after multiple dogs were poisoned in recent weeks, with a few beloved pets succumbing to their illnesses.
“Our lease said it was going to be a perfect place for dogs, they’re so dog friendly,” Antelope Ridge resident Nikolette Mima said. “It kind of seems like some of the people here are not dog friendly.”
Earlier this week, Mima’s Chocolate Labrador, Xena, abruptly shifted from her typical playful, energetic self to uncontrollably vomiting and fighting for her life shortly after a walk in a nearby park. Fortunately, Mima and Xena made it to a veterinarian just in time to save Xena’s life. The diagnosis was troubling.
“They pumped her stomach, and sure enough, a ton of rat poison came up,” Mima said.
Multiple people living in the neighborhood have reported finding green cakes of rat poison in public parks and on private property. Half a dozen dogs in Antelope Ridge recently ingested rat poison, and at least three of them have died. One of those dogs belonged to Candice Strommen.
“We woke up to blood all over my house,” Strommen recalled. “Called the vet and we had to take him in. Unfortunately, we were too late and had to put him down.”
Strommen lost her beloved Saint Bernard, Fezzik, and she says she worries about her 2-year-old son.
“At that age anyway, they don’t understand,” Strommen said. “So they’re just gonna [say], ‘hey look it’s candy’ or something, and they’ll pick it up and put it in their mouth.”
Box Elder police are taking the situation seriously.
“We want residents in Antelope Ridge to feel safe when walking their pets or letting them outside to play,” Box Elder Police Chief Bob Connell wrote in a statement sent to KOTA Territory News. “We will identify the cause of this incident and determine whether any malicious intent was involved.”
Save Them All Rescue Service Founder Michelle Brock says her no-kill shelter is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of individuals responsible for the poisonings. Brock mentioned she has cared for many animals that went on to be adopted by families living in Antelope Ridge, and a tear rolled down her face as she spoke about the ongoing situation.
“We are not able to adopt to anybody that lives in this area right now until we find out who is doing this,” Brock said. “Getting cameras is one of the best things you can do to help prevent more of this.”
Those with information regarding dog poisonings should reach out to the Box Elder Police Department’s non-emergency line at (605) 923-1401.
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