Arlington Heights Police: No Evidence of Dispersal of Rat Poison with Chicken Bones in Area West of Downtown

The Arlington Heights Police Department received several reports and phone calls during the past week (the last week or two of February 2025) regarding a sign posted near west Eastman Street and north Somerset Lane, which is in a neighborhood just west of downtown Arlington Heights and near the Arlington Heights Public Works facility. The sign, placed by a local resident, indicated there were chicken bones and ‘rat’ poison scattered in the area. The sign further advised dog owners to be aware of the potential danger. Understandably, such signs and information can instill a sense of fear and/or anger for any dog owners taking their pets for a walk. Based on the concerning nature of the reports, the Arlington Heights Police Department took immediate action and initiated an investigation.

The Arlington Heights Police Department assigned two Public Service Officers certified and trained in animal welfare to investigate. Based on their expertise in animal investigations, the Public Service Officers were assigned the follow-up investigation of possible contaminated food in the area, which may have indicated a criminal act to deliberately lure and harm animals or wildlife. The initial investigation did not reveal any evidence suggesting the presence of poison or chicken bones. The immediate and surrounding areas were extensively searched. According to the Arlington Heights Police Department, no evidence of suspected poison was revealed by the investigation.

Public Service Officers noted the close proximity of the reported area of the alleged poisoning to a garage dumpster located at an adjoining apartment complex. According to the Arlington Heights Police Department, the dumpster could be a likely source of food waste with the potential for food waste to be scattered in the area by wildlife. The officers observed active wildlife in the area, noting that the animal’s behavior appeared normal and appearance healthy. Furthermore, no sick or deceased wildlife was observed or located in the area. As of this release, the police department advises there have been no reports of sick or deceased domestic animals or wildlife from pet owners, residents, or veterinary clinics.

The Arlington Heights Police Department wants to reassure the community we currently have no indication of any poison, sick domestic animals or wildlife in the reported area. Officers will continue to actively check the area for any suspicious activity, items or indication of animal poisoning. Residents are asked to report any suspicious activity to police.

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