Warning Issued After Reports Of Dogs Falling Ill In Parkhurst Forest

Police are warning dog walkers to be vigilant after a number of reports of dogs becoming ill following suspected ingestion of a substance in Parkhurst Forest since February.

Officers say similar incidents have been reported in previous years and have previously been investigated, with routine patrols continuing in the area.

Following the most recent reports, neighbourhood officers have stepped up patrols and collected samples of a substance believed to be linked to the incidents.

Police say they are confident the substance is rat poison, which has been found deposited sporadically throughout the forest.

Dog walkers have most commonly reported finding it near the Marks Corner end, although officers say it could be located anywhere within the woodland.

Enquiries have included checks with local stockists of rat poison and liaison with the Forestry Commission.

Sergeant Mark Radford said the incidents are “causing concern” and, more importantly, are putting pets at risk.

He urged dog walkers to be alert and to report anything suspicious, adding that Parkhurst Forest is a large area with limited CCTV coverage, and that the poison appears to have been placed in multiple locations.

Police are asking anyone who has seen suspicious behaviour, captured anything on helmet cameras or dashcams, or found any suspected poison, to report it with as much detail as possible, including location and time.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting 44260130015.

Information can also be submitted online via Hampshire Constabulary’s website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.