A WARNING about dozens of marshmallows laced with poison and filled with nails and ball bearings has reached millions of people after it was posted on Facebook.

A dog walker found around 12 of the sweets on the field near Guiseley Cricket Club on Saturday, close to a children's play area, and some have also been found at the Chevin beauty spot in Otley.

Pictures of the tainted treats, thought to have been put out to posion dogs, were posted online by Take My Paw, a group which supports the work of animal charities across West Yorkshire. Its post has since been viewed almost five million times, from people as far away as America and Canada.

Secretary of the cricket club Sara Dickinson said: "After we found out about it we did a massive search of the club. We've had problems in the past with nuisance youths or drug bags being found.

"We haven't seen any more of these since Saturday.

"It's just appalling, we can't believe it."

Take My Paw member Zoe Webb said she was overwhelmed by how many people have seen and shared its warning - including actress Jennifer Saunders.

She added: "If a dog ate it and you managed to get it to a vet in time it might be alright, but if not a dog would die a slow, painful death. And the ball bearings and nails would also damage its insides. Without a shadow of a doubt these were put out to harm dogs.

"The other issue is this is so close to a park that is popular with children.

"Whoever did this needs to realise the effect something like this can have. Do they understand what it can do? It's not a bit of a joke, it won't make the animal a bit sick, it will kill them."

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "I would urge anyone with information about this and specifically who may be responsible to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

"Deliberately attempting to poison animals in this way is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

"If anyone believes their pet may have been poisoned or eaten a poisonous substance they should take them straight to a vet, ideally with a sample of the potentially poisonous substance."

Police have also been informed.