Police and vets warn about dog poisonings in Crouch End and Highgate

The neighbourhood PC for Crouch End said his team had received information about lard being poisoned and left for dogs in Highgate Wood and Queen’s Wood, as well as Priory Park.

PC Martin Nicholls tweeted: “We’ve had third-hand info received about lard being poisoned and left for dogs in Highgate/Queen’s Wood & Priory park.”

He told the Ham&High: “Several local vets had dogs coming in recently showing symptoms of being poisoned - one has since died.”

But he later added on Twitter: “About the dog issues: We’ve spoke to vets and there is no confirmation that poison has been involved for the poor dog that died the other day.

“There have been no official reports to police and info was 3rd hand.

“I don’t want to worry anyone but as I had the info and as a dog owner I thought it important to let everyone know.”

Hills Veterinary Practice in Crouch End wrote on its Facebook page that it potentially had a case of poisoning in the last two weeks.

“We’ve heard some disturbing reports lately that poison has been found in Highgate Wood and Queen’s Wood,” the message said.

“We’ve also recently heard it has been found in Priory Park.

“We have potentially had a case of poisoning in the last two weeks.

“We would highly recommend that anyone walking dogs in any of the local woods or parks is extra vigilant and doesn’t allow their dog to eat anything.

“If you see anyone acting suspicious or any suspicious food, please call the police.

“If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned, you need to get them to the closest vets straight away.”

Hills Veterinary Practice did not wish to make any further comments and said there was no evidence the dog who died had been poisoned.

- Anyone with further information should report it to the police on 101.