Suspected rat poison pellet discovery closes part of Santa Clara park after dog sickened

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KGO) -- Part of a Santa Clara park has been temporarily closed after the discovery of suspected rodent poison pellets, city officials said.

The pellets were found at Jenny Strand Park on Howard Drive after a dog owner contacted the city Monday to report that their pet had eaten some of the pellets and became sick.

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City workers responded, removed the pellets and closed about 5,000 square feet of the park as a precaution.

Officials said crews will conduct a cleanup of the affected area and investigate how the pellets ended up in the park.

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According to city officials, the dog that became ill after ingesting the pellets is described as "stable."

The incident was reported to the police department and anyone with information or who has observed suspicious activity in the area is asked to call police at at 408-615-5580.