EASTON, Pa. – A concerned resident is warning pet owners after discovering fishhooks scattered around downtown Easton, some with what appears to be pieces of beef stick attached to the sharp ends.
The resident shared the discovery in an “Everything EASTON” Facebook group, urging dog owners to stay alert. The post included a map showing multiple locations where the hooks have been found, marked in red.
Courtesy of Haley VanLuvanee
The resident, Haley VanLuvanee, says she contacted Easton police, who confirmed that a report had been filed.
“I don’t mean to sound crazy, but my dogs are like my kids, and I want to help protect everyone else’s fur babies downtown too,” VanLuvanee wrote. “Hopefully we can figure out who is doing this and put a stop to it.”
She added that she plans to purchase protective gear for her dogs as a precaution.
Animal experts say the items could be extremely harmful or in some cases, deadly, for our four-legged friends.
“I mean, there’s nothing more heartless than that,” said Mark Berman, who lives near Easton.
Members of the community are looking to set the record straight and rallying together after spotting the items several times on the sidewalks and in the snow.
Resident Ashley Gonzalez says her dog, Riblet, had a couple of close calls.
“It was in the beginning of January, and my boyfriend took our dog for a walk in the circle,” said Gonzalez. “He noticed that he was chewing on something was kind of grappling with him for a little bit. Finally got the fishhook out.”
Gonzalez says the fishhook appeared to be wrapped in a piece of meat.
Courtesy of Haley VanLuvanee
“Immediately came back here, and I called the police just to put a report in on it,” said Gonzalez. “We don’t really go to the circle that much anymore.”
Berman is walking his dog, Rex, near Centre Square.
“I knew I was taking a risk even by walking him out here today, but you got to walk and watch him carefully,” Berman said.
The dog owners say they want their furry friends to enjoy taking strolls outside, but the discoveries concern them.
“To be honest, just like the times that we live in, like I knew it was intentional,” said Gonzalez.
“There’s no doubt about that. You have to have the intention to hurt,” said Rosa Marie Lopiccolo, Executive Director for Center for Animal Health and Welfare, a non-profit organization in Northampton County.
Without hesitation, residents are taking to social media to warn their fellow neighbors.
Lopiccolo says people need to be vigilant.
“If your dog is a sniffer, definitely make sure that you’re paying attention, and if you see it, do the right thing. Pick it up with like a poop bag, either report it or dispose of it,” said Lopiccolo.
When 69 News reached out to Easton police, officials confirmed the report is valid and said their patrol division is actively investigating the incident.
Police say they need another day or two to conduct follow-up work before releasing additional details.