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Dog owners warned after toxic sausages found in Hailsham Dog owners warned about toxic sausages found in East Sussex
(35 minutes later)
Police have issued a warning to dog owners after cocktail sausages believed to be stuffed with toxic slug pellets were found at a popular walking spot.Police have issued a warning to dog owners after cocktail sausages believed to be stuffed with toxic slug pellets were found at a popular walking spot.
Dog walkers in Hailsham, Sussex, have been told to be cautious after the contaminated meat was discovered by a member of the public. Dog walkers in Hailsham, East Sussex, have been told to be careful after the contaminated meat was discovered by a member of the public.
The sausages, which had been sliced open and filled with the blue pellets, were found on the Cuckoo Trail in Hailsham on Wednesday evening.The sausages, which had been sliced open and filled with the blue pellets, were found on the Cuckoo Trail in Hailsham on Wednesday evening.
An RSPCA spokesman said: “We are deeply concerned about any spate of suspected poisonings, but especially one where evidence suggests it may be deliberate. Animals, and especially dogs, are often extremely curious and will be drawn to food. Ingesting just the smallest amounts of some substances can lead to kidney failure and death.An RSPCA spokesman said: “We are deeply concerned about any spate of suspected poisonings, but especially one where evidence suggests it may be deliberate. Animals, and especially dogs, are often extremely curious and will be drawn to food. Ingesting just the smallest amounts of some substances can lead to kidney failure and death.
“If anyone suspects that their dog has been poisoned they must take it to a vet immediately. If possible, they should take a sample of what the dog has eaten.”“If anyone suspects that their dog has been poisoned they must take it to a vet immediately. If possible, they should take a sample of what the dog has eaten.”
The issue of dog poisoning was highlighted last month when an Irish setter died after competing at Crufts. It was initially thought Jagger had been poisoned at the event, but toxicology results revealed the dog had eaten what is believed to be contaminated beef in Belgium.The issue of dog poisoning was highlighted last month when an Irish setter died after competing at Crufts. It was initially thought Jagger had been poisoned at the event, but toxicology results revealed the dog had eaten what is believed to be contaminated beef in Belgium.
Poisoning is a criminal offence in the UK under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The maximum penalty for those found guilty is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £20,000. Poisoning is a criminal offence in the UK under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The maximum penalty for those found guilty is up to six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £20,000.
Anyone with evidence to support allegations that someone is deliberately trying to poison dogs should contact the RSPCA’s national cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.Anyone with evidence to support allegations that someone is deliberately trying to poison dogs should contact the RSPCA’s national cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.