DOG owners are being warned to stay vigilant after an animal was poisoned in a Southampton green space.

The warning, which was issued by the RSPCA, comes after a fox, believed to have been poisoned, was found dead in land off Cutbush Lane, near the Gregg School in Bitterne Park, on Saturday.

A spokesperson for Plush Puppies, a local dog groomer, said on social media: “Please watch your dogs and take much care down and around Riverside Park, Bitterne Park, the Greggs school and Cutbush Lane areas.

“A horrible incident happened this morning which resulted in the RSPCA being called.

“Some awful person or people are putting down some kind of poison, three foxes have already been found already. Please please tell everyone you know and make them aware.

“Hopefully this will get back to the nasty person who is responsible and we can stop it getting any worse.”

An RSPCA spokesperson added: “Aside from an incident involving a Fox on Cutbush Lane, we haven’t had reports of any other animals being poisoned come through to us as yet but would encourage anyone with concerns to contact us.

“If you are concerned that your pet may have been poisoned please contact your vet immediately.

“As an animal welfare charity, we are concerned for both domestic pets and wildlife.

“Slug pellets can poison hedgehogs, and because of this would encourage people to try using a natural alternative such as crushed eggshells or coffee grounds.

“Anyone who deliberately poisoning an animal faces a £20,000 fine or prison under the Animal Welfare Act.”

The charity added that the signs that a pet animal could have been poisoned can vary can include any of the following:

  • Lack of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Appearing drunk and uncoordinated
  • Twitching or seizures
  • Depression

The incidents come after a number of similar warnings about poisoning which occurred in March 2016 when a dog died after eating “poisoned sausages” in Riverside Park.

Anyone who has seen anything suspicious or has information on any of the incidents should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018, or Hampshire police on 101.