Dog dies after eating suspected toxin

Three dogs were taken to the vet - and one died - after being walked in fields behind a housing estate in Bishops Cleeve

Dogs have been admitted to local vets with suspected toxin ingestion after walking around fields in Bishops Cleeve, one of which has died.

The council said it was working with local landowners and veterinary practices to determine the exact cause of the illness.

In a statement, Tewksbury Borough Council said people needed to be "mindful of crop treatments when crossing farmland".

It follows the death of two cats who had been poisoned with antifreeze in Tuffley.

Lisa Hailwood was walking the dogs at the time and runs a dog walking business in Gloucestershire called Paws4ward Dog Care.

She was devastated when owners called her saying the dogs had become ill.

'Heartbreaking'

"It's absolutely heartbreaking. It was a very worrying and upsetting time for everyone.

"We are waiting for toxicology reports on two of the three dogs that were poorly, which should give some indication of the substance consumed by the dogs," she said.

'Critical state'

Dragon Vets, Cheltenham has had several dogs admitted with suspected toxin ingestion after walking around the fields behind the Cleeveland Estate.

"We are currently unsure of the cause/ toxin ingested at this stage".

Symptoms included excessive panting, high temperature and vomiting.

There have been other incidents of dogs falling ill after being walked in a similar area.

Tewkesbury Borough Council leader Richard Stanley said in May 2023 some dogs became ill after swimming in the waterways and one "passed away during that incident".

In May 2024, a "dog became sick and passed away" after eating some grass cuttings on the edge of a playing field, Mr Stanley added.

A sign reportedly urged dog owners to be "vigilant if visiting this area and if your dog shows any of these symptoms after a walk please call your local vet practice".

Cheltenham Animal Shelter General Manager Peter Newcombe said there's a lot of things dogs can eat which can hurt them.

"Fertilizer is one thing that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs" he said, adding plants and vegetables can also be a problem such as daffodils, wild garlic and onions.