Authorities say there is nothing to suggest anything untoward is going on concerning missing area dogs.
Reports of missing dogs in the Sylvan Lake area and concerns about the existence of a dog fighting ring have been widely circulated online, but local RCMP and the Alberta SPCA say there have been no substantiated reports of injured or dead dogs suggesting anything suspicious.
Jessica Nagorski of the Hope Lives Here Animal Rescue Society said she has heard of abnormally large numbers of large-breed dogs missing in recent months.
She hopes dog owners are attentive and document suspected abuses.
Anyone with information about cases of animal cruelty can contact the Red Deer and District SPCA at 403-342-7722 or the Alberta SPCA at 780-447-3600.