Which harmful substance is often linked to animal poisoning incidents?

Antifreeze, specifically ethylene glycol, is a harmful substance commonly associated with animal poisoning incidents due to its sweet taste, which can attract pets and wildlife. When ingested, ethylene glycol can quickly cause severe health issues, including kidney failure and central nervous system depression. The lethality of antifreeze often results in acute symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and potential organ damage, making education about this substance critical for animal control officers.

Household cleaners, rodent poison, and insect repellent also pose risks to animals, but antifreeze is particularly notorious for its rapid effects and wide availability, which increases the likelihood of accidental ingestion. Thus, recognizing antifreeze's dangers is essential for both prevention and immediate response to animal poisoning cases.