Dog dies after eating ‘poisoned’ bread on Hackney Downs

A man walking a dog on Hackney Downs today. The council has said people should be vigilant after a string of apparent poisonings of dogs

Dog walkers are being urged to be extra vigilant after a beloved pet died after eating bread believed to have been laced with poison whilst being walked on Hackney Downs.

Hackney Council today confirmed the animal was one of three thought to have eaten the contaminated food, which the Citizen understands had been placed close to the railway line in the western part of the park.

Fashion designer Vivienne Austin, who lives locally and regularly walks three dogs on Hackney Downs, said she now feared for their safety and was keeping them on leads for the time being.

She said: “I spoke to one of the park attendants who explained that there had been three recent reports to them… They also said that they do not have the staff necessary to keep on top of the situation.”

The council recently issued a notice on its website about “irresponsible behaviour” on Hackney Downs.

The notice but did not specify what this meant but said patrols were being stepped up. A spokesperson for the council said the increased patrols were not specifically linked to the poisonings.

They added: “The council is aware that three dogs may have eaten contaminated bread whilst on Hackney Downs Park and that one of the dogs has sadly died.

“We are investigating the cause of the poisoning. In the meantime, we urge all dog owners to take extra care to ensure that their dogs do not eat food they may pick up in a park. Park users whose dogs show signs of illness should take them to a vet.”

After rumours began to circulate among the community of dog walkers about the dog’s death and the cause, park keepers initially questioned whether the animal might have died as a result of food poisoning from eating rice that had been dumped in the park.

However, it is understood an autopsy indicated rat poison was in fact the cause of death.

It is not known whether the poisoned bread was placed in the park with the intention of killing dogs or whether whoever left it had meant to kill the rats which are known to live in the vicinity of the railway line.

The council is now appealing for information, stating: “Anyone who may have any information about this should email the council at parks@hackney.gov.uk.”