Vets are urging dog-owners to be cautious after hearing reports of dogs being poisoned at a Bingley beauty spot.

Staff at the Gatehouse Practice have received calls from worried animal-lovers who are concerned about walking their dogs on the St Ives Estate.

And Bradford Council, which owns the land, is investigating claims that poison has been used.

Terry Croud, a partner at the Gatehouse Practice, said he had heard reports of a dog dying after being poisoned and three becoming unwell but none had been traced.

"It was reported that a dog has died after being affected by strychnine poison, an old-fashioned poison which used to be used for moles and foxes.

"Apparently this dog had been walking round St Ives. We rang round other vets but nobody had seen it. It was not treated here or at our other surgeries. If it had been at St Ives you would think a neighbouring practice could have treated it but we've not heard anything."

"There is something to be said for being cautious. It is more likely for a vet to have seen a strychnine poison case 15 to 20 years ago because it is not readily available now. Its use is forbidden."

A notice has been put up in the window at the Haworth branch to warn customers who might spend time with their pets at the Bingley park of any potential problem.

But worried dog-owners are staying away from the area and Anne Ayton, of Stanley Street, Bingley, has been distributing hand-written leaflets warning people about the problem.

Jane Thrower, of Pollard Avenue, Eldwick, said she was very concerned and was refusing to take her greyhound and lurcher dogs to the area.

She said: "There are a lot of people who come from far and wide to use the grounds but we have all heard about these reports and are very worried.

"My friend rang the vets and she was told that they were also aware of the reports."

Strychnine is poisonous and can cause spasms but if the animal survives 24 hours the danger has passed. A Bradford Council recreation spokesman said: "We are aware of these allegations and naturally we are investigating.

"However we can say that no chemicals of this nature are used by us in council woodlands."

Bingley Police said they had not heard of any cases. A spokesman for the Bingley St Ives Golf Club said its grounds were treated with substances used by other courses.

She said: "Nothing we use on the course should have any effect on animals. No inquiries from pet owners have come to my attention."