POLICE patrols have been stepped up in Kings Park amid fears dogs are being poisoned.

One dog has died after being walked there and pet owners are now staying away after hearing rumours it was poisoned.

Gillian Brewster, owner of Chaos Corner on Kings Park Road, whose seven-year-old yellow Labrador, Cathy, died of suspected poisoning last Sunday after being walked in Kings Park said she has heard of at least nine other dogs that have also been affected.

She said: "At 1pm Cathy was running a temperature. I took her to the vets as I thought she must have a virus.

"At 4am she started fitting and being sick. I have had other customers come in the shop who say it has also happened to a bull terrier and a springer spaniel.

"I am very worried. I don't want any other dogs to go through what she went through."

Council spokesperson, Michelle Henry, said: "We'd like to assure all dog owners that no chemicals or substances have been used in the past month on the park and that anything we do use is eco-friendly and safe to be used around animals.

"Parks staff are keeping their eyes open for anything suspicious but we encourage owners to keep their dogs on leads."

She added: "We'd also stress it's unclear what's making the dogs ill and no proof of poisoning has been found."

Inspector Ashley Adams, of Boscombe Police, said: "There have been no cases confirmed that dogs walked in the Kings Park area have been poisoned.

"However there may have been cases where dogs have been taken ill recently after walking in that area and we would like to hear from owners so we can make further inquiries.

"I've arranged for additional patrols in the Kings Park area and anyone with information can speak with the patrolling officers or call Dorset Police on 01202 222222."

RSPCA spokesman Jo Barr said: "We'd be interested to hear from anyone who thinks their dog has been poisoned in that area or anyone who knows what is happening. We have had no direct reports and it may just be Chinese whispers."

Anyone with information should ring the RSPCA's Cruelty hotline on 08705 555 999 where they can leave a message for local inspector Jo Story.

First published: November 2, 2005