Rugby dog walkers warned after pets 'poisoned'

DOGS could be deliberately being poisoned in Bilton parks.

Fears have been raised by owners after a number of dogs needed urgent medical treatment when they found and ate sausages in parks on Freemantle Road and Alwyn Road while being exercised.

It prompted a Facebook warning from Bilton Veterinary Surgery urging owners to be extra vigilant when out and about with their pets.

One owner, who did not want to named, said: “My dog was very sick after eating what I think were sausages in the park on Alwyn Road. I took him straight to the vets and fortunately he is now making a recovery.

“It is very frightening and beggars belief to think someone could be doing this deliberately.”

Jane Berry from the Rugby branch of the RSPCA agreed it was a huge concern if someone was setting out to poison dogs.

She told The Observer: “If these are deliberate attempts to harm dogs then action is needed.

“I would urge all dog walkers to be vigilant and use their common sense when walking through parks.

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“They should keep their dogs on their leads if they feel worried or notice anything suspicious. And keep an eye out for anything that looks out of the ordinary.

“We have heard about the incidents in Alwyn Road and know that there were definitely some dogs affected in the area.

“If you think that your dog has eaten anything that could harm them you should contact your nearest vet immediately.”

Police are investigating the Bilton incidents, and any relation to similar cases in a Bedworth Park earlier this year which saw

dozens of dogs treated for suspected cases of poisoning.

The RSPCA urged dog owners to call 0300 1234 999 immediately if they feared their dog had been poisoned.