The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Woodland fears after dogs fall ill
Backmuir: Facebook page issues warning after pets walked in woods
Dog owners in Dundee are being urged to remain vigilant following claims a number of animals fell seriously ill after walking in local woodland.
According to reports, one dog died and three others took ill after being walked in Backmuir Woods, Muirhead.
A post on the Dundee and Angus Missing Pets Facebook page warned dog walkers to be aware of possible foul play after a number of animals took ill following walks in the area.
The warning has since been shared more than 700 times.
Page manager Linda Quinn told The Courier: “A lady got in touch with me earlier this week and asked us to share that she’s been told dogs are becoming ill after walking in the woods.
“Since then there’s been a lot of worried people out there.”
The dog owner who made Linda aware of the incidents told The Courier she believes three dogs have become ill in recent days after being walked through the woods.
Another pet, she claims, died after spending time in the woodland.
The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “A workmate of my daughter told her about the dogs being sick.
“At least two dogs from the village are currently ill.
“One died and is currently having an autopsy done at a vet in the area.
“I have three wee dogs myself. It’s a real worry.
“We don’t know if there’s some sicko putting something down. We don’t know what dogs are picking up.
“There was another woman who said her dog died in October after walking in the area and vets couldn’t tell her what was wrong. It makes you think.”
Dog owner Hillary Boyle Nicholson revealed she no longer walks her pets in the area after one of her dogs fell ill and died.
She said: “My dog died in October after a walk in these woods. Vets couldn’t pin point what had happened.
“Within 48 hours her nervous system went, her front legs couldn’t hold weight and she was squealing in pain. She went blind and didn’t even know I was there. It was horrible.”
Ashley Menzies said: “We lost our dog a few weeks ago of suspected poisoning after walking in the woods for years.”
Despite the reports, the SSPCA yesterday confirmed they were unaware of the issue.