Hiker finds dog treats stuffed with fish hooks

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Penn. (WJW) – The Pennsylvania Game Commission is warning dog owners after a hiker discovered dog treats stuffed with fishhooks.

“Items like these could prove deadly to any animal that consumes them, including wild and domesticated animals,” said the Game Commission in a recent Facebook post .

Pictures shared by the commission show several dog treats with fishhooks sticking out of the sides. In one picture, at least four hooks can be seen in one treat.

According to officials, the stuffed dog treats were found Sunday on the Appalachian Trail, near the George W. Outerbridge shelter, in Washington Township.

Officials said they searched the area but did not find any more. They also said, that so far, they have not received any notifications that a pet may have consumed the stuffed treats, or found any dead wildlife.

State Game Warden Dustin Stoner called the discovery “disturbing” and said wildlife officials hope to hold whoever is responsible accountable.

Warning notices have been posted near area trailheads. Officials are asking anyone with information, or if anyone finds more, to call 1-833-PGC-WILD or 1-833-PGC-HUNT.

The Appalachian Trail is more than 2,000 miles long and stretches across 14 states.

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