City says someone illegally placing poison bait at Turtle Creek Park
–The City of Paso Robles recently posted signs around Turtle Creek Park in Paso Robles informing residents to not use poison in an illegal attempt to eradicate the ground squirrels living in the area. Apparently, someone put poison in the squirrel holes bordering the sidewalk on the south side of Turtle Creek Road. The rodenticide can be harmful to pets and humans living or walking in that vicinity.
The City of Paso Robles is notifying the public that anyone caught using unauthorized rodenticide faces up to $5,000 in fines.
Many people use the sidewalk along Turtle Creek Road to walk their dogs. Exposure to illegal poisons presents a serious health risk to pets and humans.
The sign reads as follows:
Use of Unauthorized Rodenticide
UNAUTHORIZED OVER-THE-COUNTER RODENTICIDE POISON BAIT HAS BEEN PLACED IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN TURTLE CREEK PARK
• This product was not applied by the City of Paso Robles or any contractor working for the city.
• The City of Paso Robles has not approved and does not condone use of this rodenticide within Turtle Creek Park.
• The improper use of a rodenticide is not safe for people or non-target animals.
• Anyone found illegally using any pesticide, including rodenticides, is in violation of the California Food and Agriculture code and may be fined up to $5,000 per violation.
• If you notice any evidence of this product, call the City of Paso Robles Community Services Department at (805) 237-3873.
Future occurrences will be reported by the City of Paso Robles to the County Department of Agriculture for follow-up.
