Pet owner’s warning over suspected dog poisoning

That was the message from one pet owner in Thrybergh, who reported crushed up grapes being left in chicken puree on land used by dog walkers on Cross Street.

Grapes are highly toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure if eaten.

The resident, who asked not to be named, said it appeared to be in retaliation to dog owners failing to clean up dog mess on the land.

“There is dog poo there but there is a big difference between a bit of dog poo and killing a dog,” he said.

“It’s been going on since December,” he added.

“Notes were left saying ‘Pick up your dog [poo]’.

“Then someone started leaving grapes and chocolate covered marshmallows and now they have left grapes in chicken puree.”

The resident said his dog had had a lucky escape as it has eaten some of the poisoned chicken and needed a visit to the emergency vet for treatment.

He informed the police, but said he was told “We’ve got more important things to do than look at chicken on the floor”.

The resident said he had stopped walking his dog on the land due to the threat of the same incident occurring.

South Yorkshire Police declined to comment, saying animal poisoning was the RSPCA’s responsbility.

A spokesperson for the animal charity said: “We are aware of this but at this stage we do not know if these were deliberate or accidental incidents.

“If anyone suspects this has been done on purpose, and has seen anything suspicious, they should contact us on 0300 1234 999 or the police on 101.

“We’d also encourage local pet owners to keep an eye on the wellbeing of their animals and if they are showing symptoms of poisoning to get them veterinary treatment immediately.”

Signs of poisoning can be seen anything from 30 minutes after an animal has ingested the chemical, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen.

The signs of poisoning can include one, or several, of the following: Vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

Visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/poisoning for more information.