A Pennsylvania man is facing charges of animal cruelty after he allegedly drugged a competitor's Siberian husky at a dog show in Wheaton.
Ralph Ullum, 68 of Claysville, Pa., is accused of feeding Protonix and possibly Benadryl to Pixie, a Siberian Husky, at a Dec. 17 kennel club show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, according to Wheaton police.
Ullum's girlfriend was competing with her Siberian husky, named Diana, and Ullum had been assisting her at the show.
Pixie's handler, Jessica Plourde of Newark Valley, N.Y., noticed a crushed pink pill near Pixie's cage on the second day of competition, according to reports.
Witnesses came forward saying they had seen Ullum feeding and petting Pixie while Plourde was away from the cage.
A veterinarian induced vomiting in Pixie and found a rubber band, dog food, chicken pieces and an undigested Protonix pill. Protonix is used to treat acid reflux and heartburn.
Authorities say they believe the pink crushed pill found near Pixie's cage was Benadryl, an over the counter allergy medicine that can cause drowsiness.
Police searched the area and also found a crumpled paper towel containing a white substance and pieces of pills in the men's bathroom.
Ullum told police he did pet Pixie and used the men's bathroom, but said he didn't feed the husky or put things in the trash.
Ullum is scheduled to appear in DuPage County court on June 2 on misdemeanor cruelty to animals charges and attempted criminal damage to property.
