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Pitcairn Dog Poisonings Under Investigation

PITCAIRN (KDKA) -- Police in Pitcairn are investigating a rash of canine poisonings in a neighborhood which have left at least four dogs dead and two others recovering from the effects of ingesting poison.

Were they all accidental or was it a string of canine crimes?

Dog owners in Pitcairn say they don't believe what happened to their pets was an accident. John Schmitt told KDKA-TV that his 6-year-old dog, Dakota, recently had to be put down because he was poisoned.

"If the cops find out, I hope they get him before I get him because it won't be – it ain't going to be pretty if I get a hold of somebody," he said.

KDKA's Ralph Iannotti reports:

Schmitt's neighbor, James Laird, owns a mixed beagle named Molly. But, Laird was lucky. His pet survived.

"I think it's somebody getting their kicks, maybe hates dogs or something," he said.

One of the first dogs in the neighborhood that died was owned by Alta Spara. She called the poisonings a disgrace. Her dog, she explained, was part of her family.

Meantime, dog owners are worried. Beverly Cechman owns show dogs. She and her husband were going away this weekend. She says she's going to keep her four dogs in the house, locked up, until they find out what's really going on.

KDKA's Heather Abraham reports:

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