No concern for Crowthorne dog walkers say Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Wokingham Borough Council have announced that Heathlake Local Nature Reserve dog walkers need not be concerned over recent reports of dog poisoning.

It had been reported in the media that two dogs sadly died within a week of each other after visiting Heathlake Local Nature Reserve, following rumours spread on social media and in some parts of the community claiming their deaths were caused by poison.

In response the council and Thames Valley Police immediately advised dog owners to be vigilant, while these claims were investigated. Warning posters were also erected at the Heathlake site.

Chris Buggy, countryside co-ordinator for Wokingham Borough Council, said: “There have been no other reported deaths or illnesses reported by local veterinary practices that can be related to this reserve, or any other sites in the area.

“Other reports of incidents at The Look Out and Dinton Pastures have also proved to be unsubstantiated. Both the Countryside Service and Environmental Health Team have been involved. They looked at everything.

“The Countryside Service also made a number of site visits to the reserves and found nothing untoward. We do hope this puts dog walkers’ minds at rest and helps them when making decisions about where to exercise their dogs.

“We will of course continue to monitor the situation; and for no other reason than to raise awareness, continue to leave the warning notices up at Heathlake.”