Dog critically ill after eating bread laced with anti-freeze in Market Drayton

The animal was found eating the bread on the street in Waterside Drive and was only stopped from consuming all of it by a passer-by.

The dog is being treated by vets and tests are being carried out to determine what the bread contained.

Dog owners in the area have been warned to be vigilant by police. It comes after the town was hit by a spate of cat poisonings earlier this year.

New figures have revealed that the number of calls received by the RSPCA in relation to anti-freeze poisoning in Shropshire has risen by 13 since last year.

The RSPCA says that in 2012 it took 14 calls about anti-freeze poisoning in Shropshire, while in 2013 they took six, in 2014 they had six calls and so far this year they have received 19.

Constable Mick Sturland, of West Mercia Police's safer neighbourhood team for Market Drayton, said: "On Sunday we received a report that one dog was seen eating bread which was possibly laced with anti-freeze or something similar.

"The dog was prevented from eating all of the bread left on the floor on the green in Waterside Drive by a passer-by. The dog is currently in a critical condition at the vets and tests are being carried out to identify what the bread contained, if anything.

"It goes without saying that all dog owners should be vigilant to what their pets are eating and to place anything out with the intention of injuring or killing any animal is an offence which the police will deal with robustly if caught."

In May six cats were poisoned in Market Drayton after reports that tins of tuna spiked with anti-freeze were left around the area. Last year cat owners in the Telford area were placed on alert following the deaths of four animals due to suspected anti-freeze or rat poisoning.

Signs of anti-freeze poisoning can be seen anything from 30 minutes after an animal has ingested the chemical to two or three days. Other signs can include vomiting, depression, seizures, difficulty breathing, increased thirst and increased urination.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 the maximum penalty for anyone found guilty of animal poisoning is up to six months imprisonment and/or a £20,000 fine.