Berryessa Creek Park Warns of Suspected Tainted Dog Treats

Dozens of dog treats found scattered in San Jose park that smelled like insecticide, prompting pet owner concerns and city response.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:54pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph of a dimly lit dog park, with warm pools of yellow and orange light creating a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere that evokes a sense of unease and caution.The discovery of suspected tainted dog treats in a San Jose park has raised concerns about the safety of public spaces for local pet owners.Santa Clara Today

Pet owners in San Jose's Berryessa neighborhood reported finding dozens of dog treats scattered across Berryessa Creek Park that they said smelled strongly of insecticide. The city's animal services department collected the items for safe disposal, and local veterinarians urged caution, advising pet owners to watch for signs of poisoning and seek emergency care if needed.

Why it matters

The discovery of suspected tainted dog treats in a public park has raised concerns about the safety of Berryessa Creek Park for local pet owners and their animals. Similar incidents involving sick or dying dogs in other Bay Area parks have led to temporary closures, underscoring the need for vigilance and a swift response from authorities to address potential public health threats.

The details

A San Jose resident named Michelle Nguyen reported finding dozens of dog treats scattered across Berryessa Creek Park that she said smelled strongly of insecticide. Nguyen also found an empty container of Milk Bones behind a tree, and the gloves she used to gather the treats gave her a headache. San José Animal Care and Services collected the items for safe disposal, and local veterinarian Dr. Tal Solomon advised pet owners to avoid any food of unknown origin in public spaces and watch for signs of poisoning in their pets.

  • On April 5, 2026, Nguyen discovered the suspected tainted dog treats while walking through Berryessa Creek Park with her family and pets.
  • San José Animal Care and Services collected the items on the same day for proper disposal.

The players

Michelle Nguyen

A San Jose resident who discovered dozens of suspected tainted dog treats scattered in Berryessa Creek Park.

San José Animal Care and Services

The city department that collected the suspected tainted dog treats from Berryessa Creek Park for safe disposal.

Dr. Tal Solomon

A local veterinarian who advised pet owners to avoid any food of unknown origin in public spaces and watch for signs of poisoning in their pets.

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What they’re saying

“I would stay away from the dog treats 100% and pull dogs away from any food that looks out of place. Watch pets closely for signs like excessive drooling, vomiting or diarrhea, and take them to an emergency veterinarian if any of those symptoms appear.”

— Dr. Tal Solomon, Veterinarian

What’s next

San José Animal Care and Services is investigating the incident and urging the public to report any suspicious items found in Berryessa Creek Park. The city's parks department is also monitoring the situation and may take additional precautions if necessary.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of pet owners remaining vigilant when visiting public parks, and the need for swift action by local authorities to address potential public health threats. It also underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining safe and enjoyable outdoor spaces for both people and their pets.