Pet owners are being warned to be vigilant after dogs allegedly died from eating poisoned cheese left on a common in south London.
A notice posted on Streatham Hill Vets surgery Facebook page last night claims staff have been alerted to “an individual laying down cheese laced with rat poison” on Tooting Common.
The warning goes on to suggest the person has been attempting to kill foxes on the common with the toxic cheese.
The incident has not been reported to the police, but a spokeswoman for the RSPCA urged pet owners to come forward if they suspect their dogs have been poisoned.
Warning signs to look out for include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, twitching and seizures.
The spokeswoman said: "People should be careful when putting down any substances which are potentially poisonous to ensure that other animals are not affected and that substances are stored appropriately and properly disposed of, rather than dumping them on a roadside or in a park."
Upset dog owners posted messages on Facebook and said they would avoid walking their dogs in the common.
Claire Coburn said: “My neighbour told me about this earlier this week. Awful.
“Not just dogs but many animals could be affected by this. I know some people hate foxes but if we live by the common we must all accept and enjoy the wildlife, who have been there longer than we have.”
Another user wrote: “I know. It's terrible, my dogwalker knows of two Labradors that have died. She doesn't know if that was why, but they were young, and no other clues.”
Anyone with information can call the RSPCA 0300 1234 999
