Police have issued an urgent warning to dog owners after cocktail sausages believed to be stuffed with toxic slug pellets were found at a popular walking spot in Hailsham, East Sussex. The contaminated meat was discovered by a member of the public on the Cuckoo Trail on Wednesday evening.
The sausages had been sliced open and filled with blue pellets, which can be lethal if ingested by animals. An RSPCA spokesman expressed deep concern, stating that even small amounts of such substances can cause kidney failure and death in dogs.
Dog owners are urged to be vigilant and to take their pets to a vet immediately if poisoning is suspected. A sample of the ingested material should be taken if possible. The RSPCA also reminded the public that poisoning is a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, carrying a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £20,000.
Anyone with information about deliberate poisoning should contact the RSPCA's national cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
