Rat poison warning to Guiseley dog owners

Dog owners in Guiseley are being urged to keep their pets safe after poison was discovered hidden in food and dog treats.

The treats were found by a local dog-walker in the Netherfield Road area, who posted a warning to others on social media.

It comes just a couple of days after rat poison was found mixed with cereal near Guiseley Football Club.

White Cross Vets in Guiseley say they've recently treated a dog which they believe was deliberately poisoned.

Monty, a one-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, was being walked close to Nethermoor Park and Guiseley Cricket Club, when his owner noticed he was eating cereal off the floor.

White Cross Vets has since retrieved and tested the food and found that it was laced with rat poison which can be fatal to dogs.

Rod Beardshall from White Cross Vets, says: “Thankfully we have been able to successfully treat Monty and he doesn’t appear to have suffered any lasting damage but others might not be so lucky.

"Dogs are naturally inquisitive and will nearly always pick food up so owners need to keep a particularly close eye on them at the moment to make sure they don’t eat rogue substances which could have devastating consequences.

“Common symptoms of possible poisoning usually include passing blood, vomiting, spotty or pale gums as well as appearing lethargic. Anyone who suspects their pet may have eaten a poisonous substance should contact their vet immediately.”

Rod adds: “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen cases of deliberate poisoning of dogs in this part of Guiseley. In October 2014, marshmallows stuffed with rat poison, screws and ball bearings were scattered in the same location and it’s very worrying that this is now being repeated 15 months on.

"It’s terrible to think that people could be so cruel to try and harm a dog in this way and we would urge anyone that sees anything suspicious to contact the police straightaway.”

• Local News