DENVER -- A 55-year-old Strasburg rancher was issued a misdemeanor summons for poisoning meat that eventually killed five neighborhood dogs, the Adam's County Sherrif's Office said Thursday.

Daniel Bowen is being charged with four counts of cruelty to animals and four counts of explosives, toxicants, and poisons not to be used. His first court appearance is scheduled for June 5.

Around March 1, the owners of the five dogs came forward to the Adams County Sheriff's Office and reported that their dogs became mysteriously ill and later died.

All five dogs had been in the area of 56th Avenue and Headlight Mile Road when they ingested meat that had been injected with the herbicide Paraquat Plus, a poison used to control weeds.

After the dogs ingested the meat they became violently ill and subsequently died. Based on the sheriff's investigation, it appears that Bowen was using the poison to kill coyotes that were attacking his livestock, and placed the meat around his property, authorities said.

The Adams County Sheriff's Office submitted samples of the dogs' blood and urine to independent labs to obtain conclusive evidence that the poison was present in their system.

After obtaining that information, Bowen has been issued a misdemeanor summons in connection with the death of four dogs. The fifth dog was not tested because it was already buried by its owner.

Veterinarian Ken Hanks said that he noticed his dogs, Rooster and Tanner, died a very painful death.

"My wife are I are devastated. These dogs were our kids," said Hanks, Bowen's neighbor. "We consider this very irresponsible, poor judgment, and a somewhat arrogant act. Because not only is he killing my dog and probably some coyotes, but it shows a total disregard for wildlife."

Paraquat Plus is a restricted-use pesticide and is highly toxic. It is used to kill weeds and grasses. The label even states, "Danger. One swallow can kill." It could also be harmful, or fatal, if absorbed through the skin or inhaled.

If convicted, Bowen faces a six to 18 months in county jail and or a fine of $500 to $5,000.