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.
