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The Strathcona Residents’ Association is warning dog owners in Vancouver that someone has been leaving rat poison in Strathcona Park, located at 857 Malkin Avenue.

Several dogs have become sick recently, and rat carcasses have been found in the park, with a concentration toward Cottonwood Gardens.

Dog owner Mira Oreck said she thinks her dog Jericho was poisoned in the park on the weekend. She saw some rats in the park on Sunday morning, and then on Sunday night her dog started puking blood. She took him to the emergency vet but they could not find anything specific in her dog’s system. Oreck said it took Jericho roughly 48 hours to get better.

“I knew something had happened, but I didn’t know what it was,” said Oreck.

The Residents’ Association is warning park visitors to be extra vigilant and to keep an eye on their dogs.

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Cottonwood gardeners have reported a Caucasian man, 45-55 years old, 5’8″ to 5’10”, with dark hair and a moustache, carrying a dark bag and scattering what is now believed to be poison. The Residents’ Association says he is reportedly not a gardener and leaves the garden or goes into the bushes when people approach him.

If anyone has any information call 3-1-1, or the Vancouver Police non-emergency line at (604) 717-3321.

If you suspect your dog has ingested rat poison you should seek medical advice immediately.