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SUMTER, S.C. (AP) -- Authorities investigating the pesticide poisoning that killed four dogs and sickened several hunters last month was no accident.

Department of Pesticide Regulations spokesman Cam Lay told The Item of Sumter that the agency is trying to figure out who put the pesticide down in woods in Lee County and promises to prosecute anyone involved.

Lay says the pesticide is called Temik. It has limited legal use in South Carolina and anyone who buys it must have a pesticide applicators license.

Lay says investigators haven't figured out why the pesticide was used this way. He says previous cases have included attempts to kill coyotes or to discourage hunting.

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