POLICE officers and council staff are to patrol parks after six dogs are thought to have been poisoned.

PCSOs and council staff took steps to calm dog walkers' fears after more Brighton and Hove parks were named in a growing numbers of reports - including some fatalities. 

Concerned pet owners met in Hove Park on Tuesday and are helping staff to investigate and verify the claims. They will also be contacting vets in the area to see how many have dealt with similar incidents.

Rhian White, a member of the Brighton Dogwatch group, said: “Everyone needs to be vigilant but it's very difficult to verify if a dog has been purposely poisoned. Keep your dog's safe, don't hesitate to go to your vet if your dog has an issue and if you find anything you think is suspicious let the council parks department know.”

Warren Morgan, Brighton and Hove City Council Labour group leader and East Brighton councillor, said: “As a dog owner I am appalled by the poisonings and will be asking a number of questions of the council and police.

“Dog walkers should obviously keep a close eye on their pets and report anything suspicious they see to the police or park staff.”

Six incidents of suspected dog poisoning have so far been raised by owners.

Police officers have only received one confirmed report of a dog death from poison and urged people to be aware of speculation on social media.

A council spokeswoman said: “We share the concerns of dog owners and have asked all our park staff to be particularly vigilant when patrolling the parks, extending their checks to bushes and secluded areas where dogs may wander.

“We would urge park users to help us by reporting anything suspicious and to keep their dogs on leads and within sight.

“We do not use any chemicals in our Green Flag parks, which includes Hove Park. “Occasionally chemicals are used elsewhere, but they do not present any danger to humans, pets or wildlife and have been used safely for many years.”

Chief inspector Helen West, of Sussex Police, said: “Dog wardens and the city park rangers have been informed to keep an eye out for anything suspicious such as powder and food being left out and report these incidents to the police. PCSOs are patrolling the parks and I would encourage anyone with information or concerns to speak to them or to contact us on 101 quoting 282 of 24/03 or email paula.botting@sussex.pnn.police.uk.”

Dog walkers can also contact the Wildlife Investigation Team on 0800 321600.