The RSPCA is appealing for information after the death of two dogs which are thought to have consumed antifreeze in Radstock last week.

The two dogs sadly died after ingesting the toxic substance that is thought to have been left out deliberately in the Woodborough Road area of the town.

The charity urges pet owners to keep an eye on their animals and if they are concerned that they may be affected, should seek veterinary advice immediately.

RSPCA inspector, Becky Jeffery, who has been investigating alongside officers from Avon and Somerset Police, said: “We are very concerned that two dogs from the same area have died.

“At the moment, we would advise everyone in the area to keep an eye on their pets’ well-being and if they are showing symptoms of poisoning, get them veterinary treatment immediately.

“We are also appealing to anyone who who has information to contact us immediately through the RSPCA Inspector Appeal Line on: 0300 1238018 to help our investigations.”

The owner of one of the dogs, Nigel Evans, has spoken out about his heartbreaking experience after losing his beloved springer spaniel collie cross, Nina, on Friday, 24th March after walking her in an area known locally as the Batch.

Mr Evans had Nina for four years after adopting her from the RSPCA through Bath Cats and Dogs Home and described her as a beautiful, loving dog who was always a pleasure to have around.

He said: “I first noticed she wasn’t right on the Tuesday night – that evening she was bringing up food and wasn’t her usual self. We kept an eye on her and by Wednesday, she wasn’t able to even keep water down, so we took her to the vet at Rosemary Lodge in Bath. The vet asked us if we knew if she had been in contact with antifreeze, but at the time, there was nothing to suggest she was terminal.

“When we went back to see her on the Thursday she just wasn’t herself, there was no sparkle. We tried to take her outside, but she just wanted to go back inside the vet’s and lie down. By Friday, we were told her kidneys had shut down and that the prognosis wasn’t good and had to make the decision to have her put to sleep.

“We are heartbroken. She was a wonderful dog, so friendly and loving. She didn’t deserve to die like that, no animal does. She had so much life left ahead of her.

“We’ve also spoken to another person who has visited our home; their dog died after being walked in the same area. Their dog had been sick and when the vet investigated, it was a cooked potato filled with red antifreeze.

“It makes me question what sort of warped person could get their kicks out of putting food laced with antifreeze down for animals to consume. Where will they stop? I don’t think I’ve ever been so upset or angry. I’m not sure I could get another dog, I’d be so scared of it happening again.

“We’ve taken our dogs walking over the Batch behind the school for around thirty years, and there has never been a problem. It was a lovely place to walk the dogs – so beautiful, green and peaceful. I’d just hate for anyone else to have to go through what we have been through with our Nina.”

Poisoning a cat or dog deliberately is a criminal offence. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum penalty for those found guilty of this offence is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £20,000.

If anyone has any information about suspected poisonings, they can contact the RSPCA Inspector Appeal line in confidence on: 0300 1238018.

Signs of antifreeze poisoning can be seen anything from thirty minutes after an animal has ingested the chemical, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen. The signs of poisoning can include one, or several of the following:

? Vomiting

? Seeming depressed or sleepy

? Appearing drunk and uncoordinated

? Seizures

? Difficulty breathing

? Increased thirst

? Increased urination

If you suspect that your cat or dog has been poisoned, you must take it to a vet immediately.

S. Norbury