Devastated pet owner issues warning after two of his Springer Spaniels died when they were 'deliberately poisoned' during walk

A devastated pet owner has issued a warning after two of his beloved Springer Spaniels were 'deliberately poisoned' during a walk.

Nigel Nicholson, from Stonydelph, Tamworth, was walking his pooches Roxxi, Poppy, and Flash on Monday before the tragedy unfolded.

According to the heartbroken owner, 'poison' had been deliberately scattered around the Staffordshire neighbourhood before his dogs found it while out walking.

Mr Nicholson said: 'To who did this: You're scum. I hope you can live with yourself. 

'My dogs didn't deserve this and the pain it has put them through. My wife, my kids, and grandkids are heartbroken.'

Following the dogs consuming the toxic 'poison', Roxxi and Poppy both died, while Flash remains 'in a bad way'.

'It's hit or miss if my little man Flash makes it as my girls Roxxi and Poppy didn't,' he said.

Staffordshire Police have said they are appealing for information, while the RSPCA has urged dog owners to remain vigilant after the 'very concerning incident'.     

Staffordshire Police said: 'We are appealing for information after two dogs sadly died after eating something toxic on a walk in Tamworth. 

'We were made aware of what happened at 5.30pm yesterday Monday, April 15. 

'Two dogs, who had seemingly eaten something while they were out walking in the Stoneydelph and Birchmoor areas, were taken to the vets after falling ill and have since died. 

A third dog has been undergoing emergency treatment'.

'We're carrying out enquiries to find out more about what happened. If you have any information that can help us with our investigation, please get in touch. 

'You can call us on 101, quoting incident 506 of 15 April, or message us using Live Chat on our website.'

A spokesperson for the RSPCA added: 'This is very concerning to hear and if anyone suspects this has been done deliberately and has seen anything suspicious they can contact us or the police and report their concerns.

'We'd also encourage pet owners to keep an eye on the wellbeing of their animals and if they are showing symptoms of poisoning please get them veterinary treatment immediately'.

They also highlighted the potential signs of poisoning to look out for, if dog owners fear their pets have consumed the toxic substances.

'Signs of poisoning can be seen anything from 30 minutes after an animal has ingested the chemical, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen. 

'The signs of poisoning can include one, or several, of the following: Vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, seizures and difficulty breathing'.

According to the animal expert, anyone deliberately poisoning an animal faces can be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

'People should also take extra care when using any potentially dangerous substances, such as antifreeze or slug pellets, to ensure pets and wildlife are not affected and that substances are stored appropriately and properly disposed of,' they added.