Eight dogs killed in Keighley 'poison' outbreak (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Caution appeal after eight dogs die in fields in Cross Hills

7:10am Tuesday 31st May 2011 in Cross Hills By Marc Meneaud, Aire Valley Chief Reporter

An investigation has begun after eight dogs died from suspected poisoning after walking along the same footpath near Keighley.

The dogs “suffered horrendously”, having convulsions before dying, a spokesman for the RSPCA said.

They had all walked down a footpath over fields between Station Road and Park Road, Cross Hills.

The area has been cordoned off as police and the RSPCA urged dog walkers to steer clear of the area.

RSPCA animal welfare officer Sally Ramsden said: “We are extremely concerned about this situation.

“People are taking their dogs out along this footpath and within less than 20 minutes, the dogs are suffering convulsions and dying.

“We don’t know what could be causing this but we strongly suspect that the dogs may have been poisoned.

“We also cannot rule out the possibility that this is being done deliberately.”

Police and the RSPCA received calls after seven dogs died between May 20 and May 25. Another dog died last Friday.

Kingsway Veterinary Group admitted five dogs which were suffering from seizures and died shortly afterwards.

Another vet surgery admitted another three dogs which were suffering from similar symptoms and also died.

The RSPCA and police are working with Craven District Council’s environmental health team and the Environment Agency to try to determine the cause of the dogs’ deaths.

Those with information should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 or North Yorkshire police on 0845 6060247 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

• Read the full story in Tuesday's T&A