A DEVASTATED dog owner whose pet had to be put down after eating poison, said there has been a spate of similar deaths.

Lisa Rawe’s six-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux, Alfie, had to be put down after suffering severe brain damage from eating dog food that was poisoned with slug pellets and a high dose of Ibuprofen.

Miss Rawe said seven other people had come forward who had experienced the same thing – including her neighbour.

The 34-year-old is devastated by what happened.

She said: “It happened on Wednesday and he died on the Friday. We don’t know exactly where it happened, but it was either when we went for a walk to the Hockley community centre grounds or to Hockley Woods.

“Initially the vet said he was OK. They knew he had had slug pellets because his faeces were blue and he had also had a strong dose of ibuprofen. He is a big dog, 82kg, so they thought he would be OK.

“On Friday, just as we were about to go out the door he collapsed.

He then had ten fits. We called the vet and they said he would have severe brain damage, so there was no alternative but to put him down.”

Miss Rawe posted on Facebook what had happened and it received 6,000 shares, hundreds of comments from as far away as Singapore.

“Six other people from the area have had the same thing happen to their dog and had their dogs put down. My neighbour recently had the same thing happen to her, but her dog was a lot smaller and died as soon as they got home from their walk.

“It is dangerous as there are children that play in the fields and woods. People have reported it happening all the way from Hockley to Great Wakering.

“I’m really upset by it and think something needs to be done as it has happened so much. I think it is deliberate and whoever is doing this needs to be caught. If this was done to a human it would be murder.”

Sue Spooner, a dog walker, 48, of Belchamps Way, Hockley, said this has been a problem for a while in Hockley.

“Sadly I am aware of what’s going on. It has been happening for months. I walked today with a young girl whose beagle died a little while ago from poison put down around Apex in Hockley.

“The idea that someone is purposely setting out to poison dogs and cause their owners such upset and distress is an act of pure cruelty.

“Unfortunately, I’m not sure what the answer is regarding catching the culprits other than walkers being extra vigilant and reporting anything suspicious.”

THE incident was reported to Rochford District Council and the RSPCA.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “We undertake regular inspections of woods and community land. It is always upsetting to hear of such incidents, and particularly in this case where the animal has died through what appears to be a deliberate attempt to cause harm.

“Our staff remain vigilant at all times and respond promptly to any such reports. In this instance, we have liaised with the owner and visited the site to ensure it is clear.”

Jo McPherson, councillor responsible for the environment, said there will be an increase in patrols of the targeted areas to try and stop this from happening.

She said: “It’s quite unbelievableanyone would intentionally cause harm to any animal.

We realise how important it is to residents they can continue to enjoy all our open spaces and our woods.

“We are taking steps to increase the patrols of these areas and I can confirm that Betts Wood in particular will be checked on a weekly basis.”

To report any suspicious findings or activities, call the council on 01702 318111”