Dog walkers voice fears over mystery white powder

Worry substance could be poison

Worried dog walkers have expressed concerns after a mysterious powder was spotted on Rutherglen streets last week.

The substance was found along the Jenny burn, from Bankhead Road to Mill Street, and was also discovered near Rutherglen Cemetery.

The sighting immediately prompted concerns that someone could be trying to poison dogs.

Constable John Donnelly, of the local problem solving team at Rutherglen Police Office, said: “It could be that the powder/paste is a dog repellent powder. If this is the case, they are not known to be poisonous and utilise smells, mainly citrusy fragrances, to deter dogs from approaching the area.

“I would hope that it is nothing more sinister than that, but cannot obviously rule this out for definite.

“I would suggest that dog walkers refrain from allowing their dogs near the substance until it can be removed, as a precaution.

“I would also ask that anyone in the area should be vigilant and if they see anyone depositing powder or any other unknown substances on the ground then contact the police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers.”

Earlier this year a King’s Park dog owner was devastated after his pooch took ill after coming into contact with a tennis ball laced with rat poison, while pellets have previously been left in Overtoun Park.

There have also been several cases over the past few years of flour being dumped in known dog walking spots, presumably by someone with a dislike for mutts.

Alistair McKinnon, Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “The area around the shops at Bankhead Road is litterpicked daily, with adjoining streets done two-three times per week.

“The powder has been mechanically swept today as part of that regime. Anyone with concerns about a substance should contact the police in the first instance.”