There are concerns there may still be a hidden danger to dogs and other animals in our Country Park after slug pellets wrapped in bacon were found there. It’s especially concerning as summer weekends are a peak time for dog owners to take their pets to enjoy facilities such as Coppers’ Dog Activity Trail (pictured).
A social media post by Rushcliffe Veterinary Centre states: “Just a word of warning, if you walk your dog on Rushcliffe Country Park, we have received notification that slug bait wrapped in bacon has/is being placed around the park.” It’s thought Ruddington Veterinary Centre is also aware of a problem as they reportedly treated two dogs with slug bait poisoning yesterday (Saturday 8th July). Poisoning by metaldehyde is extremely serious and can be fatal to dogs and other animals if not given urgent treatment.
Already hundreds of park users have taken to social media in response to the reports. Gillian Selby said “A man stopped to tell us about this today but said it was by the bridge over the rail line near children’s park”. Hayley Lacey posted “Why would someone do this?!?” whilst June Brinkworth echoed “A bit scary that some lunatic is doing this” and Adam Cook commented “That’s utterly disgusting. Why would someone deliberately try and harm dogs? Awful people!”
Nottinghamshire Police have been made aware of the issue. It’s still not known who may be responsible for the attempted poisonings, nor why. It’s possible that foxes are the intended target. Rushcliffe Park Rangers are hoping this is just an isolated incident since only the one case – last week – has so far been reported to them. Meantime there’s speculation that the meat could have been leftovers from a recent Hog Roast on the Asher Lane field. Anyone with further information is asked to come forward.
Whilst investigations continue dog owners are advised to be on the lookout for suspicious bundles and report any concerns to the Rangers’ Office as soon as possible – also to act immediately if their animal appears to be unwell. After being eaten the metaldehyde in slug pellets is converted to acetaldehyde – which is toxic to an animal’s nervous system and causes muscle tremors, lack of coordination and seizures. These symptoms can begin almost immediately or take up to three hours to develop – but must always be treated without delay.
However, Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Community Development Manager, Craig Taylor, has moved to reassure dog owners using the park that they have nothing to worry about. He told RUDDINGTON.info: “We have been made aware that one dog became unwell on Tuesday 4th July after visiting the park. We take any reports of this nature seriously and have contacted local vets and spoken to the Council’s dog warden neither of whom are aware of any similar incidences. The park continues to be visited by many dog walkers and we have received no notification of any other dogs becoming unwell.”
