A number of dogs have been left seriously unwell after food laced with rat poison was regularly left in a Canvey park. A pensioner has been arrested after a years-long investigation into poisoned food. Essex Police has been working alongside Castle Point Borough Council and the RSPCA to investigate reports of rat poison being left in Kismet Park.
It was reported that food contaminated with the poison had been left in the park on a regular basis last year. While enquiries have been ongoing with the help of the public, the council and the RSPCA an arrest has finally been made.
On Friday, January 3, police arrested a 73-year-old man, from Canvey, who was questioned on suspicion of damaging and destroying property with intent to endanger life. The man has been released on bail with strict monitoring conditions attached while our investigation continues.
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Chief Inspector Paul Hogben, Castle Point district commander, said: “My team absolutely understands how dogs are a vital part of the family dynamic and the impact this kind of behaviour can prove devastating to our community.
“We’ve worked closely with partners on this investigation to reach this point, but crucially our enquiries have relied heavily on the help of the public. I know the public have worked hard to remain vigilant in the park, offering us intelligence and evidence to assist us, and this has been invaluable.
“This investigation proves how key that link between the public and the police remains. I would [like to] thank everyone who has reached out to us to assist us in reaching this stage of our enquiries.”
While the investigation continues, Essex Police are continuing their appeal for anyone with information or footage which could assist our investigation to get in touch. When contacting the police, please cite reference 42/161732/24.
You can contact them by submitting a report on their website or by using their online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.