RCMP believe 13 dogs that died in Mirror, Alta. this weekend ate meat that was tainted with poison.
Residents say the deaths are taking a toll on the community. Trinda Johnson's three dogs were among the 13 that died.
"I don't know if I can see through my grief to be angry...I lost my family," she said.
Police also believe they are looking for the same suspect who was responsible for the deaths of four dogs last year. The dogs died after eating meat laced with poison.
"It appears to be the same person who has targeted animals in town," said Sgt. Geoff Buxcey with Bashaw RCMP.
Police were searching an area in Mirror on Monday where a woman found a bag of meat.
"My boyfriend put on his gloves and there was a chunk of this big raw, stinky meat," she said.
Police say they believe the meat is tainted.
"Because the dogs ingested it and died from doing that, so I suspect it is poison, but don't know what kind," said Buxcey.
Residents are now being asked to keep a close eye on their pets.
Some pet owners say they won't even allow their animals to go into fenced yards.
Windy Toews' dog Charlie died last year after eating tainted meat that was in her yard.
"It was probably the most devastating thing, so having this happen brings it all back," said Toews.
Residents say they won't be at ease until the culprit is found and brought to justice.
Police are not releasing any information about possible suspects. They say toxicology results will take weeks to come back.
With files from Sonia Sunger
