By Paige Gurgainers

Many may have seen the sign recently posted along Highway 519 just inside Claiborne Parish, approximately 1.5 miles north of the Bienville Parish Courthouse. The sign was posted by Mike Martin, owner of almost 20 dogs that were allegedly poisoned at that location. 

According to Martin, on May 12, 2023, after leaving work that afternoon to go visit and feed his Walker hounds that were kenneled, he arrived to find 15 of his dogs lying dead within his fence. 

“I thought I got some bad feed because they were all fine on Monday, May 10 and dead on Wednesday, May 12,” he said. “We tested and I fought with the dog food manufacturer and never came up with anything definitive.” 

Almost one year after the incident, on March 29, 2024, Martin went to the same location to feed his dogs and discovered four more dogs that had passed and one that was in critical condition. 

“I tried to save him, but I ended up losing five that day and it was the same exact symptoms as the time before,” said Martin. “The first time I combed the fence and couldn’t find anything. There’s never been anyone who has voiced concern. I have had those kennels there for more than five years, but I suspect someone poisoned them now.”

The kennels are located on private property where Martin has a lifetime lease. 

During the second occurrence Martin got the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) involved and they discovered several pieces of deer meat and other food products scattered within the kennel that had turned green in color. 

According to CPSO, this investigation is still ongoing. 

There is a $5,000 reward being offered for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the poisoning deaths of the dogs. Anyone with information may call CPSO at 318-927-2011 or Martin at 318-990-1322.