Tacoma officials investigate dog deaths linked to city park

TACOMA – Tacoma parks officials are asking for pets to stay out of a city park while they investigate reports that three dogs died from a possible bacterial disease.

The News Tribune reported that Metro Parks Tacoma launched an investigation this week after they were alerted to the deaths of the pets that frequented Garfield Park.

Owners of two of the pets say their dogs possibly drank from puddles at the park last week that led to their animals’ kidneys to fail.

Authorities suspect the cause could be from Leptospirosis though they are still waiting for lab results.

Parks officials say the disease can spread to humans from contact with infected animals, contaminated water or soil. They recommend that people avoid puddles and wash thoroughly after coming into contact with soil.