A PENSIONER has told how a dog hater tried to kill her beloved puppy by throwing balls of rat poison wrapped in pastry into her garden.

Retired care assistant Jackie Collins said her Chihuahua Toby has now been targeted four times within a year.

In the first incident, Toby, who is 11-months-old, was violently sick after eating capsules left in the garden of Mrs Collins's house in Stalin Road, Colchester.

Then she found parcels of rice with powder inside.

Grandmother Mrs Collins, 70, said: "We then had two episodes when there has been rat poison wrapped in pastry and put in our garden."

In the most recent incident on Monday, about 30 balls of the poison packages were discovered.

 

Gazette:

Mrs Collins said: "This time I took the capsules to vet and he said it was rat poison.

"I think it is absolutely disgusting. If they have a complaint, they should come to see me, not just do this.

"It is dreadful. Toby means the world to me, he is like my baby. He is with me all the time."

Mrs Collins said a neighbour had a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu and they play along the fence with Toby.

"They do bark but it is not an awful lot. No-one has approached us to complain.

"Luckily, since the first incident when Toby was sick, I have checked the garden and found the parcels. Why do this to a dog?

"If anyone has a problem, they should come and see me, not do this."

The RSPCA and the police have now been informed and are investigating.

It is illegal to put out rat poison where any animal other than rats can be harmed by it and anyone convicted of deliberately poisoning faces up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £20,000 under the Animal Welfare Act.

RSPCA inspector Adam Jones said: “Fortunately, the dog is OK but it is distressing to think it appears someone is trying to poison a pet.

"I urge anyone with any information to call me.

“Poisoning can cause severe pain and distress. Bait left out in the open like this could also kill pet cats and wildlife.”

If anyone has seen anything suspicious, they should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Mr Jones.