POISONED dog food has
been
left in parks and woodland across Watford, causing dogs who eat it to
become seriously ill and has proved fatal in some cases.
Dog walkers using Callowland Recreation Ground, off Gammons Lane, have
reported seeing fresh raw meat, which appears to be chunks of steak,
dropped at the base of trees and littered with lead pellets.
And there are also fears rat poison has been left in parts of
Cassiobury Park, close to the tennis courts in Shepherds Road.
At least three dogs have reportedly died from poisoning in recent weeks
and police have warned pet owners to remain "vigilant and alert".
Rebecca Lines discovered uncooked chopped meat containing lead pellets
was being dumped in Callowland Recreation Ground, after her
20-month-old Boston Terrier, Marley, was one of several dogs who became
seriously ill after eating the dropped food.
She said: "It's just lucky I'm a veterinary nurse and I got him to the
centre straight away. I don't know what's going on.
"It was around trees in the park where dogs would go and sniff them."
Rebecca, 23, from Gammons Lane, north Watford, didn't know Marley had
been poisoned until the day after he ate the food, when she found the
pellets in
his faeces.
She said: "He became really, really ill, quite dramatically. He became
wobbly on his feet. Normally he's quite lively and mad. He wasn't
himself."
Marley was given a drip and other medication for two days, which led to
his full recovery.
Rebecca, who works at the Park Veterinary Centre in Cassiobury Drive,
said: "My dog was lucky.
"All he had was two pellets and was almost on death's door. Lead is so
poisonous to them. Depending on how many they eat it's fatal."
Dog walkers working for The Pet Home Care Agency, in Whitegates Close,
Croxley Green, have been advised to avoid Cassiobury Park for fear of
rat poison, which is thought to be responsible for at least two dog
deaths.
Janet Bird, 46, of Westfield Avenue, who works for the agency, said:
"It's very sad for people who love their dogs.
"I hate to think it's intentional. The last thing you want to do is
lose your beloved pet.
"It's a shame. It's a beautiful park but you just don't know where
those things are."
Brian Turner, 66, of Orchard Drive, also fears letting his two dogs - a
Collie and a "Heinz 57" - off their leads in Cassiobury Park.
He said: "I'm very concerned about it. I cannot risk letting them go
because I don't know where these people put it."
Police are investigating the problem with park rangers and Watford
Borough Council, but have not had any formal reports.
Hertfordshire Constabulary representative Simon Feldman said: "We would
encourage people to let us know. Dog walkers should carry on using the
park
as normal but be vigilant and alert."
Council representative Angela Farrance said: "Our parks team has been
speaking with dog walkers and are aware of their concerns. They, along
with the police and the local PCSOs, will be extra vigilant in their
patrols, as we try to find out what is going on. Any information would
be gratefully received."
Anyone with information can telephone PC Helen Dellera or PCSO Linda
Haynes
