Strychnine blamed for dogs deaths

TESTS carried out after 16 pet dogs collapsed after being walked in a Yorkshire field have revealed the animals were poisoned with strychnine.

Thirteen dogs suffered fits and died and three became seriously ill after exercising on open land near the village of Cross Hills, between Keighley and Skipton.

At first algae, slug pellets or anti-freeze were suspected but a joint investigation by police, RSPCA and local council experts has revealed strychnine, often used in agriculture for pest control, was to blame.

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All the dogs had been exercised on agricultural land with a pond and nearby allotments and at least eight were walked down the same footpath, off Station Road.

Craven District Council environmental health officer Cath Rayner said she had received confirmation of the results which have also been passed to police.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said the charity would lead inquiries into who was responsible.

“The substance was used for the control of moles until it was removed from legal sale in 2006,” she said. “Its use was banned on anything other than moles in 1963.

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“We are still appealing for anyone with any specific information to call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999.”

North Yorkshire police said it would act on information supplied by the RSPCA, but was not investigating the matter independently.