30 dogs dead from suspected poisonings in Beijing

About 30 pet dogs have died in a Beijing community over the past week of suspected poisonings and both police and residents want to know who’s behind it, The Beijing News reported on Saturday.

Owners in the Beijing community contacted police after their dogs suddenly began getting sick and dying on December 28.

“More than 10 dogs died on the first day, and several others on the following day,” one owner said, whose two dogs were among the victims.

Another resident surnamed Song said her dog, Teddy, began convulsing on the floor shortly after returning home from their usual walk through the residential block.

“Teddy died in about five minutes,” said Song, “We didn’t even have enough time to get him to the hospital.”

A veterinarian who performed an autopsy later confirmed Teddy had been poisoned, Song told the Beijing Morning Post.

Another resident surnamed Yang said his pet suffered the same fate.

“We suspected that someone had hidden poisonous food somewhere in the grass,” said Yang.

Investigating officers found a powdery substance scattered in a green area frequented by dogs and their owners, according to the community’s property management.

“It looked like rat poison,” said the community employee, who confirmed all the dogs to be pets of residents.

Management has warned residents not to walk their dogs through the park and a police investigation is underway, The Beijing News reported.