Pet owners are being urged to remain calm after a dog almost died from consuming rat poison in a Measham alleyway.

The poorly pooch is still undergoing treatment after eating an object laced with the deadly substance in an alley off Abney Crescent.

After falling ill, the dog was rushed for emergency veterinary care and is said to be "extremely lucky" to be alive. The animal consumed the poison on Tuesday, July 10.

Ongoing treatment is also needed to ensure the the dog makes a full recovery.

An investigation by Leicestershire Police found the item to be laced with rat poison - but have asked pet owners in the area not to panic.

The alleyway
The alleyway

Officers say the item may have been placed in the alley as part of an ongoing dispute between two separate parties but there is no cause for concern for the wider community.

Police say the investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made.

However the RSPCA has issued advice for any pet owner who thinks their animal may have consumed poison of any kind.

A spokesman for the animal charity said: "Signs that your animal could have been poisoned vary and can include any of the following: depression, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties and bad breath, twitching or seizures. Different substances can affect animals in different ways. Some symptoms can take days to appear.

Andrew Griffiths sex scandal

"If you think that your pet may have been poisoned please contact your vet as soon as possible. They will ask for details of when you suspect the poisoning occurred and symptoms. You may be asked to bring in your pet as soon as possible.

"People should be careful when using substances to ensure that other animals are not affected [slug pellets and anti-freeze in particular] and that substances are carefully disposed of, rather than dumped on a roadside or in a park. For more information on how to detect poisoning log onto www.rspca.org.uk/poisoning.

"Deliberately poisoning a protected animal like a cat or a dog is an offence and carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine."