Hove residents react to 'horrifying' dog poisoning reports

Residents in Hove Park said they would consider being more careful with their dogs after reports that multiple pooches had been taken ill.

At least one dog has died after eating something in Hove Park in the last week.

Sussex Police said they have received “unconfirmed reports” of dog poisoning and are appealing for more information.

Natasha Wedge, 51, said the dog's death was shocking, adding: " I just can’t believe someone would do something like this, what do you gain from this?

Natasha Wedge (Image: The Argus)

"I probably won’t be more careful with my dog because she’s really good and she usually stays by my side.

“If my dog was naughty I would definitely put her on a lead and if I had a puppy I definitely would put it on a lead after hearing this news. There’s some not very nice people around.”

Dog walkers took to social media to report that their pets had become ill shortly after walking around Hove Park in the past week.

A Facebook post read: "Please be cautious and take care. There have sadly been two dogs affected so far, maybe more.

"Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, hyperactivity, high temperature and blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm and tremors.

"Contact your vets immediately if your dog experiences any of these symptoms."

Another read: "There have now been four known cases of poisoning after dogs have been to Hove Park, and sadly one has now died.

"Please either avoid this area for the moment or if you do please keep them on lead and wash their paws immediately after visiting."

A chew toy found with white pellets 'pouring out' (Image: Supplied)

Another dog walker said they found a plastic snake which they initially believed to contain rat poison, but on closer inspection this appeared to be polystyrene.

While the claims in the posts above have not been confirmed by the police or Brighton and Hove City Council, The Argus has spoken to the owner of the dog who died last week.

Stuart Durand said his family dog, a rescue called Colin, died after ingesting something in Hove Park on Saturday, April 27.

The 53-year-old said he was at Hove Park walking his two dogs, Colin and Hattie, on Saturday evening when Colin appeared to eat something nearby.

After returning to their family home in Hill Drive, Hove, Colin began to have a serious seizure for more than half an hour.

Colin was taken to Coastway Vets in Kemp Town but died in the early hours of Monday morning.

Colin died last week after visiting Hove park (Image: Stuart Durand)Stuart added: “We want answers. While nothing will bring back Colin we have another dog and the last thing we want is for this to happen to them too.”

Stuart said that another dog owner who regularly walked in Hove Park had told him their pet had also died in recent weeks.

Gaynor Parry, 63, who walks her Labradoodles Ted and Burt in Hove Park, said: "You never know with things like this especially when they are shared on Facebook and people say 'my friend told me this and another friend told me that'.

"But when someone’s dog has died you obviously don’t want to be insensitive.

"You just have to keep an eye on your dogs.”

Sussex Police say they have received “unconfirmed reports” that dogs have been injured in Hove Park in recent days.

Gaynor Parry with her two labradoodles (Image: The Argus)

Charlie Hawley, a professional dog walker in Hove, said: “I was at Nevill Playing Field early on Friday and sat in the middle was an open tin of dog food.

Anyone with information is asked to report it to Sussex Police online, quoting serial 1168 of 30/04.

“We chucked it and got rid of it. It’s very worrying.”

Brighton and Hove City Council called the poisonings “truly horrific” and would be monitoring Hove Park for any kind of poison.

Cllr Tim Rowkins said: "This is truly horrific, and my heart goes out to the bereaved dog owners.

“Our team has visited the area to look for any dangerous substances and will continue to regularly monitor the area."

Hove resident Paul Gasson, 70, said: “One woman stopped me and advised me about this issue earlier. 

Paul Gasson with chihuahua Rico (Image: The Argus)

"Interestingly, yesterday there were two police officers poking at things as they walked around Hove Park.

"I haven’t seen any police officers here today but they were here yesterday. I’m not too worried about this though, as long as I can keep an eye on my little chum it’s fine.”

Anyone with information is asked to report it to Sussex Police online, quoting serial 1168 of 30/04.