Vet issues 'heartbreaking' warning after two dogs die from 'poison' in Falkirk

A vet has issued a “heartbreaking” warning to pet owners after two dogs died from suspected poisoning following walks in a woodland in Falkirk.

Vets4Pets, based in the town, said it treated two dogs who collapsed before suffering seizures and dying after being at Polmont Woods.

It is feared the dogs digested poison that was left out in the area.

The vet practice also revealed that fish have been found floating in a reservoir near the wooded area, with dog owners warned to restrict their pets from swimming in the water.

A dog was also treated at the veterinary clinic after the animal was given a bright green capsule in the form of a treat from a stranger at Callendar Park.

Callendar Park, where a dog was allegedly fed poison in the form of a treat. © Google Maps 2024

The dog was made to be sick and subsequently recovered, but tests remain ongoing to identify what the capsule is.

A spokesperson from Vets4Pets Falkirk said: “This is a really heartbreaking post we have to write, however we really need to make people aware of concerning issues people have come across when walking their dogs in either Callendar Park or Polmont Woods lately.

“We have sadly had two dogs collapse, became lethargic, seizure, and sadly passed away after walks at Polmont Woods. We believe that there is someone possibly putting things in this area that are poisonous and dogs are finding and eating.

“There is also sights of fish being found floating in the reservoir by Polmont Woods, so advice would be do not let your dog swim in here until this has been rectified.

“Also last week we had an emergency after walking her dog at Callendar Park after noticing someone giving her dog some treats, then noticed a bright green capsule handed to her dog which he ate.

“We then had to make this dog sick to bring this up. We have this in a container and potentially going to get this tested to see what this could be. Scary thought is, if this owner hadn’t noticed, this could have been a different story and he might not have been so lucky.

“We urge dog owners to not allow their dogs to take treats off people they don’t know, also to be a little more vigilant in their walk surroundings.

“If there are any signs of them possibly eating anything to contact your vets straight away, and if possible keep your dog on a lead in these areas just as a safety precaution.”

Police Scotland said it received reports of a number of dogs becoming unwell in the Falkirk area having ingested a harmful substance.

A spokesperson for the force said enquiries were at an early stage “to establish the full circumstances”.

The SSPCA has been contacted for comment.