Council investigating after reports of pets becoming unwell across Harborough
Harborough District Council says it is ‘making enquiries’, after reports of multiple cases of dogs becoming unwell across the town.
The authority says it is too early to speculate as to whether the incidents are deliberate cases of poisoning but is urging anyone with information or evidence to report it to the council or Leicestershire Police.
Market Harborough resident Marie Connor, whose French bulldog Mabel is recovering after becoming badly unwell, said: “Mabel had sickness and diarrhoea at the start of last week and went to the vets twice.
“On Friday her condition went downhill rapidly, and she went to Melton Mowbray Hospital.”
Mabel returned home on July 7 having undergone a blood transfusion, but faces a long road to recovery, including being on medication for the next three months.
Marie said she was aware of at least 12 cases of animals becoming unwell in the Harborough area, with around half of these coming in the Southern Estate area.
Among the cases are a cat and dog that died of their injuries.
David Page, cabinet lead for neighbourhood services at Harborough District Council, said: “We are aware of concerns circulating on social media regarding reports that a number of dogs have become unwell in the Market Harborough area.
"At this stage, Harborough District Council is making enquiries and looking into any information and evidence that may be available.
"We would urge anyone with first-hand information, evidence, or concerns about a suspected poisoning incident to report it directly to the council or Leicestershire Police.
“Reporting through the appropriate channels will help ensure that any information can be properly assessed and investigated.
"We understand this is concerning for pet owners and local residents. However, it is important that conclusions are not drawn until the facts have been established.
"Anyone wishing to report information to the council can contact our Community Safety Team at [email protected], while any suspected criminal activity should be reported to Leicestershire Police."
Marie has been posting regularly on social media about Mabel’s condition, and said she also wanted to raise awareness and encourage other pet owners to exercise caution.
“It is important that if people see slug pellets or rat poison, or anything unusual to contact the authorities,” Marie said.
“We also need people to contact vets if their animals are poorly, so that they can be checked out, and I would urge pet owners to watch their animals are eating or smelling.”
Marie added that she wanted to encourage owners of healthy dogs to put their pets forward for blood donations, as she said at one point it was uncertain whether Mabel would get the blood she needed in time to survive.
“When Mabel needed a transfusion, there was no blood in the bank,” she said.
“She should have had the transfusion on Saturday, but thankfully on Monday some blood came forward.
“If Mabel had not received a transfusion that day, she would not be here today.
“If anyone has a dog that weighs more than 25 kilograms, and is healthy, if they could register to give blood it would be amazing.”
Marie has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds towards treatment for Mabel, which currently stands at £1,510 at the time of writing.