Is it illegal to offer free milkbones at a doggy park?

Ask: So my Bear is incredibly picky and we bought him a 4 pound box of milkbones that he refuses to eat. I figured instead of throwing them away I d set them down at our local dog park with a tag that says take one or something. Would that be okay? I ve seen people do it with tennis balls but I just want to make sure.
I d offer them to a shelter but there isn t one in miles.

Update: And yet again my apostrophes disappear. Sorry about that folks!

Update 2: Never really thought of the contamination thing, but you guys are right-- I wouldn't feed my dog anything that has been opened from strangers. Just figured I'd try to do something nice. I'll throw them out.

 

Answer

 

Verulam:

I'd have to say I'd NOT TOUCH a box of milkbones lying around. So based on that no, it's not illegal but ..... You'd do far better to take the box to your local Shelter than leave it around out there although if you don't have one close, most probably that idea is out. 

 

Do you have a neighbour with a dog who might like to have the box? At least she'd know where it came from. Some crazy idiot could well lace food. Tennis balls offered for free - quite different to food offered for free from an unknown source.  

 

Knight:

Not illegal unless they're poisoned.
A smart pet owner would never accept anything from a stranger, and/or if found placed as you say.
A smart pet would pick up the box and dispose of it where no dog could access it.
Why not just return it to the store and get your money back. If only one Milk Bone is missing I'm sure they would take it back, if it's a reputable store, bring your receipt. 

 

Elaine:

I'd put more of an explanation on the box if I did that - indicate your dog didn't like them and these are free to take.
Or I'd post on Freecycle and just have a dog owner come get them if they want them.

 

Anonymous:

I'd just find someone I know with a dog. Sitting them down in the dog park could cause a lot of fights. I know my dog wouldn't sure with a strange dog, my other she would but it'd be a fight for sure. 

 

Jo:

I wouldn't take them even if my dog did like them because there are so many crazies out there that would love to poison dogs, I would be fearful that they had been tampered with and any prudent dog owner probably would feel the same way. 

 

Tyler:

I doubt it is illegal, but take it to your local animal shelter. Some people won't feed their dogs certain treats whether it is due to allergies or preference. For example, my APBT is a rescue and is allergic to grain, so any grain he receives causes him to develop a severe rash.