Results pending in possible 2nd Whitehorse dog poisoning

The city of Whitehorse hopes lab tests from a second potential dog poisoning case can be expedited followed confirmation that two corgis ingested a toxic substance.

The city and the RCMP are investigating the cases.

Bylaw manager Dave Pruden says traces of strychnine were found in the corgis' systems. 

"It's used as a poisoning agent for rats or gophers or something that you might be trying to get rid of," he says. 

"We're not certain how the dogs came in contact with the substance so that matter is still under investigation." 

The second dog from the same neighbourhood was rushed to a vet this week after getting sick and is now recovering. Test samples from that dog have been sent to Vancouver for analysis. 

"Right now we are leery to say that it is something that someone is purposefully going out and maliciously doing, until we can try and get more information to kind of confirm those facts, we're not going to jump to that conclusion."

Neighbours concerned

City staff distributed flyers to people living in the Tamarack Drive area of Porter Creek Thursday, warning pet owners to be vigilant. 

Rupinder Aujla was quick to speak with a bylaw officer when she received her notice. 

She says her dog also got sick earlier this week and she worries it may be connected. 

"My dog's been really suffering from last three days and she's been like vomiting and vomiting blood and she also has diarrhea and she lost her appetite." 

Other residents in the area say they're keep an eye out for anything unusual. 

Dog owner Tracey Smythe says she's following the city's advice.

"Yeah, if I walk my dogs and stuff for sure, keep 'em on leash at all time and make sure they don't eat something that they shouldn't."

Official are looking for more information and ask anyone with leads or who've had a similar experience to call Whitehorse Bylaw services or the RCMP.