One dog has died and two are ill after meat suspected to be laced with rat poison was dropped into properties in Waramanga late last week.
One of Eliza Atkinson's German shepherds, called Flinders, died as a result of the suspected rat poison.
![Eliza Atkinson's German shepherd, Flinders, died after eating suspected poisoned meat.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170608063119im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/l/r/u/5/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gwlrwd.png/1496748803351.jpg)
"Flinders was my best friend," Ms Atkinson said. "His death has impacted my whole family".
Ms Atkinson had surgery a year ago and Flinders was "instrumental in recovering fromsurgery".
Ms Atkinson's other dog, called Lollie, became severely ill from the incident and is still being monitored.
One neighbour found minced meat in their backyard, which allegedly had been laced with rat poison.
ACT Policing said that a report was made to them on June 5 and that the investigation is currently ongoing. A report was also made to the RSPCA which is investigating the matter.
The RSPCA last had a dog baiting incident in February, 2017 in south Canberra.
Pet owners should take their pet straight to the vet if they suspect their pet is poisoned, the RSPCA spokesman said.
Bringing part of the substance the owner believes was responsible for the poisoning to the vet can also help the vet work out what type of poisoning the pet has.
Ms Atkinson believes that the properties were targeted so that it would be easier for people to break into them. But ACT Police say that a motive has yet to be established and they can't speculate.
Under the Crimes Act any poison that endangers, or is likely to endanger, the life of any domestic animal or bird carries a maximum penalty of $1,000 and/or imprisonment for six months.
If anyone sees dog baiting ACT Police urge the public to call 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The RSPCA also encourages the public to contact the RSPCA if they see dog baiting on (02) 6287 8100.