Altoona’s Fairview neighborhood is on high alert as police investigate a disturbing string of apparent pet poisonings that has already killed one dog and sickened others. Officers say someone has been tossing items into yards, and at least one of those mystery objects proved deadly. The Altoona Police Department is bluntly calling the culprit a “sick individual,” and neighbors are now keeping pets inside and scanning their lawns like crime scenes before letting animals out.
In a Facebook warning, the department said there have been multiple reports over the past week and urged residents to stay sharp, according to CBS News. Police are asking anyone with Ring or other doorbell cameras near the 25th Avenue and 12th Street area to comb through recent footage for anything suspicious and to contact investigators. The post also urged neighbors to “please share this and spread the word so we can catch and hold this sick individual accountable.”
Vet: Incidents Appear Random
A veterinarian who spoke with CBS affiliate WTAJ said neighbors reported that one dog died after being rushed to an emergency clinic with signs of poisoning. “It seems that, whoever this individual is, is just randomly poisoning dogs,” the veterinarian told reporters, noting that the apparent randomness makes it especially hard for owners to know what to avoid. Authorities have not said what toxin is involved or how many animals in total may have been affected.
How to Keep Pets Safe
Anyone who thinks a pet may have been exposed to something toxic should contact a veterinarian immediately, as well as the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 for urgent guidance. Local officials advise keeping pets closely supervised outside, not allowing them to sniff or eat unknown objects, photographing and saving any suspicious items, and reporting those finds to police and animal control. Animal-control officers are also recommending that dogs stay on leashes and that cats remain indoors until investigators say the area is safe.
Police are asking anyone with information to call 814-949-2499 and ask for animal-control officer Williams or to send a message to the Altoona Police Department on Facebook, the department said, per CBS News. Investigators want residents to document anything that looks suspicious and to avoid handling unknown objects so that both people and pets stay safe while the case unfolds.
