A PARK ranger has said he thinks that dogs are being deliberately poisoned in parks.

Paul Gorringe, who is entrusted with protecting and preserving Brighton and Hove’s parklands, said pets had recently been poisoned at Sheepcote, Happy Valley in Woodingdean and the playing fields at Whitehawk.

He believes it could be “hand-laid poison” which is potentially being laced into sausages by people maliciously targeting dog walkers.

Dog walker Jim Doyle was walking with his smooth-haired fox terriers Eric and Rosie at Sheepcote Valley in Brighton when they suddenly became ill.

The 64-year-old, who had to carry both dogs to the vets, said: “To hear what the ranger is saying makes me feel very worried and very concerned.

“I don’t understand why people would do silly things like that – I was very lucky that my dogs were fit and healthy.

“I am hoping that what happened in my case was natural.”

The Brighton and Hove City Council park ranger said during this time there had been conflicts with “young motorcyclists”.

In an email to a concerned dog walker, Mr Gorringe said: “I’ve had reports from several dog walkers I know that there have been recent altercations between young motorcyclists and dog walkers in Happy Valley which, along with Whitehawk playing fields, is regularly used by motorcyclists riding illegally.

“Although of course this could be a coincidence.

“However, I am fairly confident that this is an individual or group of individuals maliciously targeting local dogs and walking areas.

“If anyone is worried about walking dogs in these areas I’d suggest steering clear for now and let’s hope it dies down as is often the case.”

Mr Gorringe said that readings from boreholes in Sheepcote Valley are taken every two weeks.

He said the readings which measure contamination have not changed.

He asked those who have may have information to come forward.

One dog had to be put down because it suffered severe seizures after walking in the valley.

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately we’ve received a few reports of dogs falling ill after being walked in some of the parks in the east of the city.

“We’re currently working with the police to get a clearer idea of the situation.

“For now we advise dog owners to be vigilant and if you come across anything suspicious please report it to the police if urgent, or email city.parks@brighton-hove.gov.uk.”