Police are investigating a dog poisoning in Portslade and reported attempts to poison others in an area of open space popular with dog walkers.
Sussex Police said that a warning letter was being sent to people living near where a cockapoo was poisoned with blue pellets in Sidehill Drive, off Mile Oak Road.
The force said: “It is reported lumps of meat, laced with poison, were found at the entrance of the grassed area.
“We are investigating a report of a dog needing to go to the vet after eating the contaminated meat. Thankfully the dog recovered.
“Local residents are aware that this is a popular dog walking area and we urge them to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.
“If they see any similar pieces of meat, we advise them to pick them up and remove them and report it to police. We are investigating the circumstances and take any report seriously.
“If you have any information report online here https://sussex.police.uk/appealresponse or call 101 quoting reference 47170075899.
“Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
The RSPCA said that anyone who suspected that their dog had been poisoned should contact a vet at once.
Anyone spotting signs of poisoning such as rapid breathing, blood in vomit or convulsions should take their dog to a vet as quickly as possible.