Cocaine used to poison Zeeland family’s two dogs, killing one
A devastating case of animal poisoning has left a dog owner in shock after one of her dogs died, and another was hospitalized due to severe cocaine poisoning. The incident, which unfolded in Kwadendamme, remains a mystery, according to Stichting Dierenwelzijn Zeeland (Zeeland Animal Welfare Foundation) and Omroep Zeeland.
On Wednesday, Stichting Dierenwelzijn Zeeland received an urgent call from a local veterinarian regarding a German shepherd named Odin. The dog was experiencing extreme epileptic-like seizures, had injured his own paws, and bitten his lip so severely that the backyard was described as a “bloodbath.” Due to his distress, the animal welfare organization had to muzzle him before he could be transported by ambulance.
At the veterinary clinic, the initial assessment suggested that Odin may have had a brain tumor pressing against his skull, causing the seizures. His body temperature had risen above 41 degrees Celsius. Given the severity of the situation, Odin’s owner, Jacqueline Overmaat, made the difficult decision to have him euthanized. “The staff looked at me, and then you just know,” she said. “I told them, ‘Go ahead.’”
Later that day, as the family sat in their backyard trying to process their loss, their Jack Russell puppy, Puck, began displaying similar symptoms. The young dog struggled to stand and suffered from violent tremors. Jacqueline’s daughter screamed, “No, Mom!” as they realized something was terribly wrong.
They immediately rushed Puck back to the veterinarian. Upon examination, the veterinarian reached a shocking conclusion—Odin had not suffered from a tumor. The dogs had been poisoned.
Puck was given an IV drip and was transferred to a clinic in Zierikzee. However, due to the lack of an intensive care unit there, the puppy was moved again—this time to a specialized clinic in Rijswijk.
Desperate to save Puck’s life, Jacqueline approved every test available. “I just said yes. No way were two dogs dying in one day,” she recalled. The test results were staggering: cocaine was found in Puck’s system.
Because Odin had exhibited the same symptoms, it was assumed that he had also been poisoned with the same substance. The family now believes that something laced with the drug was thrown into their yard, leading to the poisoning.
The police have launched an investigation but admitted that they have little information to go on. “It’s a mystery,” a police spokesperson said. “Unless someone comes forward with a tip, we have no leads.” So far, there have been no other reports of cocaine-related animal poisonings in the area.
Jacqueline has since installed security cameras in her yard and no longer allows her dogs outside unattended. “I find this heartbreaking,” she told Omroep Zeeland. “Who would do such a thing?”
Jolanda Lichtenberg, chair of Stichting Dierenwelzijn Zeeland, confirmed that pet poisonings are becoming more frequent, but they usually involve substances like rat poison or slug pellets. “This is the first time we’ve encountered a case where an animal was poisoned with cocaine,” she said. “And not all poisoned animals are even tested.”
Following the tragic loss of Odin and the costly emergency care for Puck, many people reached out asking how they could help. In response, a fundraising campaign was launched to assist with veterinary and cremation expenses. All donations go directly to the owners.
Meanwhile, Odin is being cremated. Jacqueline expressed her deep sadness over losing her loyal companion. “He didn’t deserve this. He was a wonderful friend and is deeply missed.”
Stichting Dierenwelzijn Zeeland has extended its condolences to the family. “In moments of chaos and fear, they told us that our team was a great support,” the organization stated. “But we all wish things had turned out differently.”
