Four dogs have fallen ill after eating an ‘unknown substance’ leading police to cordon off a park.
There is a large emergency service presence on Childwall Valley Road, in Belle Vale this evening, with a cordon stretched around the children’s park.
Merseyside Police has confirmed officers were called to the park area after reports of a number of dogs falling ill. Mersey Fire and Rescue said it was assisting police with their investigations.
READ MORE: Dog walkers warned to be ‘extra careful’ near kids park after poisonings
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A spokeswoman for the force said: “We received a report just before 2pm that four dogs had ingested an unknown substance in a park area on Childwall Valley Road. Officers are undertaking enquiries and tests are being carried out to establish what the substance is.”
Merseyside Police has not confirmed the condition of the four dogs.
At the scene this evening a number of officers are in attendance and a large grassy area of the park has been cordoned off. Police officers have also been seen taking samples of the grass, according to residents, and using torches to investigate.
One resident told the ECHO how this afternoon a police officer knocked on her door and told her to ‘stay inside and keep her windows shut’. Another told how she saw officers, who appeared to be carrying suitcases, taking samples of grass from the embankment on Childwall Valley Road.
Another resident said: “The police taped it all off and said they found a substance but they don’t know what it is yet. I always think nothing surprises me any more but that surprised me.”
Police officers and residents have been seen wearing masks at the scene. No guidance has been issued as to whether residents should be taking such precautions in the area.
Is your dog one of those affected? Let us know in the comments below or by emailing [email protected]
Earlier today White Cross Vets in Gateacre posted on social media to warn pet owners to be “extra careful” around Hartsbourne Avenue and the area near the children’s park leading onto Childwall Valley Road after two dogs became unwell. The vets reported they had two cases of possible poisoning.
The warning, posted on Monday, January 22, said: “Can we please ask all clients to be extra careful around Hartsbourne Avenue and the area by the children’s park leading onto Childwall Valley Road. We’ve had two cases of possible serious toxic ingestion this morning so please take care or avoid this area when waking your dogs.”
According to the RSPCA, symptoms of serious toxic ingestion can include vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, hyperactivity, high temperature and blood pressure and bleeding from the gut. People who believe their dog has been poisoned should contact their vet immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police’s social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with log 454 of 22 January.
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
