Report of dogs taken to animal hospital after possible hazardous substance found in park: police

Toronto police are warning dog owners to stay vigilant after a potentially hazardous substance was found within a peanut butter jar at a park in East York.

Officers responded to a call about a suspicious incident at around 7 p.m. on Friday at Taylor Creek Park.

Police say a man was walking his two dogs when they located a peanut butter jar with an "unknown substance" mixed into it. Both dogs were immediately taken to an animal hospital where they were treated and released after ingesting the substance, according to a news release Saturday.

Investigators are warning the public to be aware of the unknown substance, which may be harmful or fatal if ingested, especially to animals and children, the release said.

Police have not yet identified the substance and there is an ongoing investigation into the incident, spokesperson Cindy Chung said.

Chung asked anyone who saw "anything suspicious or anybody dropping objects or things in the park" on Friday to report it to police. She also told CBC Toronto that dog owners and parents should "be on the watch.

"It's really disturbing and unfortunate that we have to take extra care because there are people out there who want to do harm," she added.

Chung said police are advising anyone who experiences a similar incident to seek immediate medical attention for their dog and report it to investigators.

Anyone with information on this is asked to contact police.