Man Drugged Rival’s Husky At Pennsylvania Dog Show

Not even the makers of the movie Best In Show dared to come up with this one.??

Ralph Ullum, 68, of Claysville, Pennsylvania, is facing allegations he drugged a rival dog handler’s Siberian Husky at a kennel club show in Wheaton, Pennsylvania.

Ullum, is due in DuPage County court June 2 on misdemeanor charges of cruelty to animals and attempted criminal damage to property. If convicted, he faces up to a year in jail.

Ullum is accused of feeding Protonix and possibly Benadryl — both drugs meant for humans — to Pixie, a Siberian Husky competing against another Siberian Husky, named Diana, owned by Ullum’s girlfriend. The allegations stem from a December 17 dog show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, Pennsylvania.

According to a police report, Pixie’s handler, Jessica Plourde of Newark Valley, New York, became suspicious when she noticed what appeared to be a crushed pink pill near Pixie’s cage early on the second morning of the competition. Eventually, police said, several witnesses came forward saying they’d seen Ullum petting and feeding Pixie as Plourde showed other dogs.

A veterinarian at the show later induced Pixie to vomit, finding an undigested pill marked “Protonix” among other items, including dog food, pieces of chicken and a rubber band. Police also found a wadded up paper towel that contained a white substance and apparent pieces of pills in the men’s bathroom trash.

Ullum acknowledged petting Pixie and using the restroom, but he denied feeding the dog or throwing anything in the trash, according to the police report

Pixie was not seriously injured, and neither dog won their event. Plourde and Ullum’s girlfriend had previously competed at several dog shows, authorities said.

Ullum told police he regularly helps his girlfriend show dogs. The American Kennel Club has since suspended his privileges, said Christina Duffney, the club’s director of public relations.

Authorities believe the pink substance found near Pixie’s cage might have been Benadryl, an allergy medication that can cause drowsiness and weakness. Protonix is used to treat acid reflux and heartburn, among other ailments.

Story By Elaine Furst For Dog Files

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Blues90
Blues90
12 years ago

That is very very sad. It shows how selfish the human race can be.

Cjustpeachie
Cjustpeachie
12 years ago

Where did it get him?? Only humans do horrible things like this!!

wheaton hometowner
wheaton hometowner
12 years ago

Too bad that the rpporter doesn’t know that Wheaton and Dupage County are in Illinois, not Pennsylvania!

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