‘Dog poisoner’ targets London parks with contaminated chicken

A manhunt is underway for a suspected poisoner after a dog fell seriously ill and two foxes were found dead.

Chicken possibly laced with toxins was found in Holland Park, west London, and Brompton Cemetery, leaving dog walkers terrified.

The Met Police are now warning pet owners of the danger and looking at CCTV to unmask the mystery poisoner.

Dog walkers in Holland Park have a WhatsApp group where they report any suspicious food they find.

Daniel Palfi told Metro: ‘We are on high alert. Obviously, it’s very worrying and they need to catch this person. It’s disgusting what they are doing. It’s hard to imagine what kind of person could do this.’

Kailu Stabile, who was walking a Lurcher called Moriarty, said: ‘We dog walkers communicate a lot and we are always on the lookout. It’s really horrible that anyone would do this.’

Police have stepped up patrols in the area, including reviewing footage from the Belvedere restaurant in Holland Park.

A spokesperson said: ‘A dog has consumed this meat and become very unwell, and two foxes have been found dead (with no obvious signs of injury).

‘We believe that this meat may contain toxins and has been left on purpose to either harm foxes or dogs. The meat has been seen over several days so please remain vigilant.’

Carlotta Pironti, who was with Cavapoo Nelson, said: ‘It’s difficult to stop the dogs going for any food left on the ground. Why someone would do something so evil I don’t know.’

At Brompton Cemetery, Steven Murray, 41, was walking his French bulldog Betty. He said he had not heard about the poisonings, but he said: ‘I think it’s horrible and very sad that someone would do this.

‘They must hate animals; it’s just very scary. Some people do leave food out for the foxes which is fair enough but if there’s stuff with poison we need to know. I’m going to be extra careful.’

A pensioner who lives nearby said: ‘I come to the cemetery for some peace and quiet. To think someone is laying poison in a graveyard is desecration in my opinion.’

Police are urging anyone who finds discarded meat or has information to contact 101.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: 7 underrated London areas you might actually be able to buy in

MORE: Sheep decapitated by poachers who left severed head in a plastic bag beside it

MORE: What a stolen bag of coffee and the Kilburn Circle tell us about crime in London