Vet’s warning over poisoned sausages

Cat and dog owners have been warned to be vigilant after cocktail sausages filled with what appeared to be rat poison were left in a back garden.

The sausages were left in the garden on Bailey Road, Newark, and were discovered by a cat owner.

The woman handed them in to Companion Veterinary Clinic, Balderton, which posted a warning on Facebook.

It has been shared more than 900 times.

Vet Mr Daniel Garcia, of Companion Veterinary Clinic, said it would be a concern for dog and cat owners in the area.

He said: “This is incredibly dangerous and life-threatening for pets.

“If a cat or dog eats one of these then the signs can be bleeding anywhere from the nose or mouth.

“They will become very lethargic and the signs can take anywhere from two days to two weeks to appear.”

Mr Garcia said a cat or dog might also produce mucus or have red spots on their gums.

He said: “If caught in time it can be treated with Vitamin K so take them to the vet straight away if you see any of these signs.”

He said if a cat or dog suffered an injury, such as a haemorrhage, after taking rat poison they might not be able to recover.

Mr Garcia said he could not understand why someone would disguise poison in this way.

“It is someone who really doesn’t like animals or really wants to harm a specific person.

“I have read in newspapers about pets eating these but they have never been brought to the clinic. This is the first time it has been shown to me.”

Mr Garcia said he had previously dealt with cases of pets accidentally eating rat poison that had been left out by their owners.