GETTY - STOCK PHOTO DOG POISONING ALERT: Nine pets in same neighbourhood treated for seizures (example photo)

The RSPCA is investigating the cases but says it cannot say whether the dogs were deliberately targeted or accidentally poisoned. All the cases are centred around the Dunkirk area of Nottingham and have been reported over the past three weeks. The dogs showed similar neurological symptoms of seizures an impaired movement.

GETTY - STOCK PHOTO Vets at the PDSA in Dunkirk highlighted the poisoning threat

These must have been very distressing incidents for the dogs and their owners Laura Kirkham

Vets at the PDSA in Dunkirk highlighted the poisoning threat after shocked owners brought their pets into the charity’s surgery with classic signs of poisoning. RSPCA inspector Laura Kirkham said: “These must have been very distressing incidents for the dogs and their owners. “Poisoning causes a lot of pain and distress and sadly can be fatal. There is the worrying possibility that someone may be poisoning animals deliberately so if anyone has seen anything suspicious please contact us.”

Dog owners are being urged to look out for signs of poisoning, which can vary and include depression, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, breath difficulties, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, twitching and suffering seizures. Anyone suspecting their pet has been poisoned should contact their vet immediately. The RSPCA is also warning the public to be careful putting down potentially poisonous substances such as slug pellets and also ensuring they are stored safely rather than dumped by roadsides or in parks. “While we do not know if these incidents are deliberate or accidental we do want to remind people that deliberately poisoning an animal could mean an unlimited fine and six months in prison under the Animal Welfare Act,” say the RSPCA.

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