17 November 2008

Police are investigating a series of dog poisonings in west Scotland that may be deliberate.

Four pets have needed emergency medical treatment when they developed fits after being walked in Oban.

Animal experts have been unable to identify the source of the poisonings and suggest that the symptoms may be caused by eating slug pellets.

Frankie Lanos, from Oban Veterinary Surgeons, stated that she is concerned by the poisonings as she normally only treats one dog a year for similar symptoms.

John MacAvoy, animal welfare officer, expressed his concerns that the attacks may be deliberate.

"I am looking for any common links between these incidents," he told the Press and Journal.

"This is causing me serious concerns not only because it is an offence to put down poison for animals but this is killing and injuring domestic pets."

Recent figures released from M&S Pet Insurance reveal that the number of animals poisoned has increased by 34 per cent in the last 12 months.