Three family pets have died after swallowing meat left on the roadside near a popular park that had been laced with poisonous pellets.

Police say the tablets of organophosphate are purposefully being placed in food left near tree stumps and undergrowth and has already claimed the lives of three dogs - all of which died only a few hours after swallowing the deadly substance.

Brent Council, Brent Police and local dog walkers are spreading the word for others to take extra care after the fatal incidents around Fryent Country Park area in Salmon Street, Kingsbury.

Chief Inspector for the RSPCA Simon Osborne said: "We are very concerned to hear these reports.

“Poisoning is a cruel and inhumane way for an animal to die and one which would have caused these dogs a great deal of suffering.”

ALERT: A poster police and Brent council are handing out to warn pet owners about the recent poisoning incidents.
The first incident took place in January near a lay-by on Fryent Way, in the Fryent Country Park in which an innocent pooch died after inadvertently eating some blue tablets hidden in a lump of meat.

On Thursday, March 13, three other dogs ate adulterated meat placed on a grass verge in Salmon Street and one of the dogs died later that evening. The other two survived after receiving veterinary treatment.

The next day, two more dogs ate poisoned meat that had been placed in the undergrowth in Salmon Street.

One of the dogs died and the other survived after veterinary treatment.

Sergeant Peter Rowntree, from Harlesden Police Station, said: "This is such a nasty, cruel act which has killed three beloved dogs and endangered all domestic pets and wild animals, in such close proximity to a country park.

“The owners and families of the dogs affected have suffered acute distress.

“This is not simple, ignorant mischief, but criminal activity and the persons found to be responsible will be prosecuted."

The dogs that died were two bull Lurchers and a Springer Spaniel.

Animal welfare officer at Brent Council, Angela Moruzzi, said: "We are advising people in the area that it is best to keep their dogs on the lead, or even put muzzles on them.

“We do not know why people are doing it but they are putting something down criminally and it is affecting the animals in the area.”

WARNING: The Facebook message The Mayhew Animal Centre posted alerting local pet owners.
Anyone with information should call Brent Police on 020 8733 3804, 101 or Brent Council’s animal welfare department on 020 8937 5256.