Man tried to poison his neighbors’ dogs for ‘barking too loud’ in a malicious 4 a.m. plan — until owners went to police with chilling evidence

The dogs, who loved playing in the yard, were closely watched after the first signs of poisoning appeared.

PUBLISHED 7 HOURS AGO

(L) Two pet dogs barking in backyard. (R) Two police officers. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Sue Barr, (R) Kali9)

In May 2025, a family in Broomall, Pennsylvania, went through a terrifying experience when they discovered poison in their yard that could have harmed their beloved dogs. What began as a normal morning walk for their pets quickly turned into a frightening mystery. The family soon realized the danger was far more serious than they first thought, leaving them shaken and fearful in their own home. When they discovered that their neighbor was behind it, they immediately contacted the police and shared the surprising evidence.

Police officer responding to emergency call. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by kali9) — Police officer responding to emergency call. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | kali9)

As reported by WWNYTV, Joshua Hunter and his family first noticed something strange about two weeks before the incident. They found hundreds of small pieces of chocolate scattered across their backyard. Knowing how dangerous chocolate can be for dogs, they hurried to collect every piece to protect their pets, Sushi and Hoagie. The dogs, who loved playing in the yard, were kept under close watch after that. Days later, Hunter’s son discovered something even more alarming: about a dozen meatballs tossed across the yard, each stuffed with several pellets of rat poison.

A golden retriever barking. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Saso Novoselic)

Hunter said one of the dogs even had a meatball in its mouth before one of his children managed to pull it out in time. Fortunately, neither dog was harmed. The family’s security cameras later showed a man walking into their yard in the early morning hours and spreading the poisoned food. “The guy took his time at four o’clock in the morning, both times with the chocolate and this time to make meatballs and put rat poison in them. He was right outside our bedroom door doing this,” Hunter said. The shocking footage gave police the evidence they needed to identify the suspect.

A female police officer handcuffs a man. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Hill street studios)

Later that day, police searched the neighborhood and arrested 63-year-old Mark Nugent, who lived just a short distance from the Hunter family. Officers said he was still wearing the same clothes seen on the surveillance footage. According to investigators, Nugent admitted to the act and said he was frustrated because the dogs barked too loudly when playing outside. Marple Township Police Chief Brandon Graeff confirmed that Nugent faced multiple charges, including cruelty to animals. “The lead charge is a felony charge. I don't know how much prison time, if any, that would carry, but they are serious charges,” Graeff shared with 6ABC Action News.

Nugent was released after posting 10% of his $50,000 bail, a decision that left Hunter uneasy. “I’m sitting here with ALS [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis] in a wheelchair with five kids and my girlfriend. I don’t feel safe at all. We’re losing sleep. In the meantime, this guy is out, and I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said. Despite the close call, the Hunter family was grateful that their dogs survived. Nugent’s next court hearing was scheduled for later that month, as the family hoped for justice and peace to return to their quiet Pennsylvania neighborhood.