LIMERICK and Clare dog owners have been told to be extra vigilant after reports of poison being laid on a popular canal bank walk near Clonlara.
Gardaí have received complaints that dogs were poisoned while out with their owners on the walkway between the Ardnacrusha and Clonlara bridges which is frequented by people walking their family pets.
It is believed that the poison, encased in pieces of meat, was deliberately laid on the walkway.
Upwards of half a dozen reports have been made with Gardaí in Ardnacrusha over recent weeks and an investigation has been launched.
Similar incidents were reported two years ago when residents expressed concern and anger over dog poisonings occurring close to a residential area where children often play. At the time, at least four dogs died from poisoning.
The canal walk between the bridges has also been used for grazing sheep.
One owner whose dog was poisoned said that their pet went into “convolutions after walking the area and dying after 90 minutes at the veterinary clinic.
Strychnine laced meat was suspected as being the cause in 2014 and it is believed that a similar method was used in recent days. Animal welfare groups have expressed concern and said that dogs ingesting poisoned meat would suffer a painful death.
Locals are said to be concerned given the close proximity of the land to a primary school and a residential area.
The ESB, who own the land, have reminded all local land owners that laying poison in such a manner is illegal.
