Breaking: San Diego School Board Member Says Her Dog Was Poisoned in Sorrento Valley Backyard

San Diego officials say a member of the San Diego Unified school District Board is dealing with a frightening attack on her pet, allegedly carried out in her Sorrento Valley backyard last week. The board member, Sabrina Bazzo, says her golden retriever Bruno, about 2 1/2 years old, was exposed to meat laced with poison and metal hooks that were dumped into the yard on December 12.

According to Bazzo, two handfuls of contaminated food were tossed into Bruno’s outdoor space, a familiar retreat filled with safe play items for the dog.She described finding the canine gnawing on the tainted meat and noted blue crystals and metal pieces among the fragments as she inspected the items.

Bruno was brought to an animal hospital within roughly 20 minutes of ingesting the bait, where veterinarians induced vomiting. Bazzo said the dog did not require further medical care after that, but she stressed that a delay could have produced a fatal outcome, citing the vet’s warning that a large enough dose can be deadly.

“If animals take in enough, ther is nothing they can do,” Bazzo recalled the vet saying, underscoring the seriousness of the incident. The family had relied on Bruno as a comforting presence since Bazzo’s husband David, who was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer, died last June.

three months after her husband’s death,Bazzo received a direct,aggressive note by mail,written in bold red type: “Please shut your (expletive) dog up with all the barking day and night.” She can’t help but wonder whether the letter writer is connected to the backyard poisoning, though she cautions that she cannot draw conclusions yet.

In a statement released by the San Diego Humane Society, spokesperson Nina Thompson confirmed that her agency is actively investigating the suspected case of animal cruelty and says investigators are pursuing all leads. The agency’s response highlights the ongoing efforts to address threats against pets and to hold offenders accountable.

For Bazzo, what was once a safe sanctuary designed by her late husband now feels like a potential trap. She remains cautious and says she cannot determine whether the attack is linked to her role on the school board or to her dog’s welfare until investigators identify a motive or suspect.

What We No So Far

The incident involves a household pet at a private residence, with a dog receiving immediate veterinary care after exposure to a toxic substance. Authorities have not released any suspects or confirmed a motive as investigations continue.

The San Diego Humane Society emphasizes that cruelty investigations require careful examination of all leads and timelines, and they urge anyone with information to come forward to aid the probe.

Key Facts at a Glance

Evergreen Insights: What Pet Owners Should Know

Incidents like this underscore the importance of pet safety and community vigilance.Here are practical takeaways that endure beyond any single event:

• Secure outdoor spaces: Regularly inspect yards and verify there are no hidden hazards or suspicious items that could harm animals.
• Act quickly after exposure: If a pet eats something potentially perilous, contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately to maximize chances of a safe outcome.
• Document and report: Notify local animal control or humane society about suspected cruelty or threats to pets, and preserve any relevant evidence.
• understand the stakes: Animal-cruelty investigations involve careful triage and cooperation among owners, veterinarians, and law enforcement to determine intent and identify suspects.

Two Questions for Readers

• What steps do you take to ensure your pets stay safe while outdoors or in fenced yards?
• How should communities support pet owners and authorities when acts of cruelty occur?

Authorities remind residents that any information about this case should be reported to the appropriate agencies to aid the ongoing investigation. If you have details that could help investigators,contact local animal-control or the San Diego humane Society.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below to help raise awareness and strengthen community safeguards for pets.