The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Dog owners urged to be vigilant amid poisoning worries
Dog owners in Fife have been warned to stay vigilant after a spate of suspected poisonings at several East Neuk beauty spots.
A golden retriever named Ollie is understood to have died on October 31 last year after ingesting white cubes of a meat-like substance at Kilrenny Common.
The death was the first in a number of incidents involving dogs suffering from gastroenteritis symptoms after eating similar substances at Kilrenny Common, Dreelside Crawhill Farm, and Cellardyke Monument areas.
An undercover Scottish SPCA special investigations officer who cannot be named said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Ollie, and the suffering of other affected dogs who have thankfully recovered.
“We are urging pet owners walking their dogs in these areas to be extra vigilant.
“Whilst poisoning has not been confirmed, we would urge anyone with information to contact our helpline.
“Attempting to deliberately harm an animal is a criminal offence.
“We would always discourage members of the public from leaving food for animals in public areas as, although they may mean well, it can cause harm.
“We would encourage any owners whose dogs display similar symptoms to contact their vet.
“It may be that further tests could be carried out to determine what the substance is.”
Dog owner Courtney Mcrae reported finding three pieces of fish while walking her pet at Dreelside Park on Wednesday.
Posting a warning on social media, she said: “Just had our dog out this morning next to Dreelside Park and found three salmon fillets lying on the grass. I have bagged them up. Luckily, my dog didn’t touch them.”
Dog owners are now being warned to stay vigilant and report any further finds.
Anstruther community councillor Daryl Wilson said, “Since December 11, I have received reports on a weekly basis of dogs suffering from gastrointestinal problems after eating randomly discarded meat or fish at popular dog walking areas.
“Thankfully, these dogs have made a full recovery but this was not the case for poor Ollie, who was just seven years old and in good health.
“I am asking dog walkers in the local community to be extra vigilant.
“It could be that someone is innocently leaving food for animals, not knowing the repercussions of this.”
If anyone has any information about this case or that poisonous substances are being deliberately used against animals, they are urged to contact the charity’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.