THE Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after an attempt was made to poison pet dogs in Stevenston.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Friday, January 6 to a report of a white powder-like substance found in a garden in Alexander Avenue.

The owner believed that it was put there intentionally to target the dogs living in the property.

An undercover inspector from the Scottish SPCA’s Special Investigations Unit said: “Dogs are usually very curious and will try to eat the poison. 

“I recently dealt with a report of a Jack Russell who congested a large amount of slug pellets and was extremely ill.

“There is a concern poison is being laid on purpose.

“The poisoning of domestic animals is a huge issue and we deal with a large number of complaints regarding poisonings and they are incredibly difficult to solve due to the nature of the crime.”

The charity also responded to another poisoning attempt on the same day in Rutherglen.

What looked like slug pellets or rodenticide was found in a 2ft by 2ft square near the entrance to the town’s Overtoun Park.

Due to the amount and location of the poison found, the charity believes that it was intentionally put there to harm an animal.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.