DNR investigates deaths of poisoned dogs in Northern Wisconsin

State and federal wildlife officials are investigating several cases in which pet dogs were poisoned in Northern Wisconsin.

Dogs have died in Bayfield, Marinette and Florence County. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says it is unknown if there were poisonings in additional counties.

Pet dogs, coyotes, weasels, raccoons and at least one wolf have been found dead.

The DNR suspects the wild animals were also poisoned. They're waiting on lab tests to confirm that.

The DNR recovered a sample of the poison located near a spot where a pet dog was found dead. A photo is attached to this story.

Poison was found on the ground in rural areas. The pet dogs ate it and died in less than 30 minutes.

Clark Cate of Wausaukee lost his dog, Ava, in March.

"I could see she was eating something. I called her off it and went up to what she was eating and we couldn't identify it," Cate says.

Ava was eating a chunk of ground meat that contained poison.

"About 10 minutes later, she came out of the woods stumbling, convulsing, hyper-salivating," Cate said. "We took her to the truck and within 30 minutes she passed away in my arms."

Clark Cate has started a Go Fund Me to raise money for a reward. The money would go to the person who provides information on who is poisoning the animals.

Deaths happened on properties managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Goodman Timber Company.

"You know it's really frustrating when people are intentionally targeting wildlife, but it really becomes even more sickening when it starts impacting people's pets," says Lt. Andrew Ludin, WDNR Northeastern Region.

The DNR, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service are asking for the public's help in this case. If you have information, leave a tip by calling or texting 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. Report your tip online at