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WATCH: Operation Rhombus Aims To Stop "Cruel And Callous" Parkhurst Poisonings

Pet poisonings at Parkhurst Forest have been labelled "cruel and callous" as police step up efforts to catch the person responsible.

After several pooches fell ill, Hampshire Constabulary has launched Operation Rhombus to prevent further harm.

What appears to be blue rat poison has been laid near the Marks Corner entrance to the woods.

Officers say the substance is dangerous and is often mixed in with other foods, such as chicken, in an attempt to fool dogs into eating it.

In response, police patrols have increased in the area, and there is talk of cameras being installed. 

Dog owners and residents living nearby say they're angry, and it's not the first time animals have fallen ill in the area.

Isle of Wight Radio's Oliver Dyer went to investigate...

"Cruel And Callous" Parkhurst Pet Poisonings

Several dogs have fallen ill after suspected poisonings at the Marks Corner entrance to Parkhurst Forest. Isle of Wight Radio went to investigate...

Posted by Isle of Wight Radio on Tuesday, October 19, 2021


After a number of incidents last year, increased police attention in the area and media attention saw the poisonings come to a sudden stop.

PC Egerton expects a similar thing to happen this time round.

"We know there is work to be done. The issue we have is the moment we launch any sort of investigation, it stops. It's almost is if somebody is watching what we're doing but we are putting things in place to try to counteract that. It's about being ahead of the curb really.

"We all love our pets and our dogs at the end of the day. I'm a dog lover myself. It just doesn't need to happen. If someone has a problem with people parking or doing whatever in the forest it needs to be reported in the usual way. Don't take things into your own hands. You will get caught at the end of the day. We'll do whatever it takes."

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting Operation Rhombus. 

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