MONTPELLIER - French officials have launched a probe after three dogs were allegedly killed with poisoned meatballs at a canine cross-country race.

A fourth dog is receiving treatment after the incident at the French Canicross Championship, which sees pet owners running with their dogs for sport.

The suspected spiking took place in the southern French town of Vauvert, the public prosecutor in nearby Nimes told AFP on Sunday.

The prosecutor has begun an animal cruelty investigation. Those found guilty of animal cruelty could face two years behind bars and a €30,000 (S$43,200) fine.

On its Facebook page, the Federation of Canine Sports and Leisure explained that the event was hit by a “despicable criminal act”, saying someone “put poisoned meatballs on the site”.

It has cancelled the second day of the championship final.

The town mayor has banned people from entering nearby woods and countryside during the probe while investigators try to piece together what happened. AFP