Police have warned people in one part of Bristol that to be alert to poisonous substances after a spate of deaths involving wild animals and pets in the past couple of months.
Parents at a large school in the area, and local residents are being asked to be vigilant about the series of incidents, with police saying they are keeping an open mind about what is causing the deaths.
For the past six weeks, the deaths of cats, dogs, several foxes and a badger in Redland is something of a mystery - with police saying they don’t know what has killed the animals, and have sent the bodies of two dead foxes away for toxicology tests to determine the cause of death.
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A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said they wanted to reassure residents in Redland that they have no evidence that the deaths of the animals have been caused deliberately, but they are linking the deaths and investigating the mystery to get to the bottom of what it is that’s responsible.
Bristol Live understands the first dead animal was found on March 19, and when more cats, dogs and foxes were found dead in the area, the police were alerted on April 24. Last week, parents at Redland Green School were made aware of what is going on, after police asked the headteacher to pass on information.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said that, until they get toxicology reports back, what killed the animals is a mystery. “Enquiries are being carried out following the death of a number of animals in Redland,” she said. “The matter was raised with us on Monday 24 April after several incidents involving cats, dogs, a badger and foxes being found sick or deceased. These animals were taken to a nearby veterinary surgery where it was deemed as a suspected poisoning based on their symptoms. Tests are being carried out on two deceased foxes to determine the cause of death,” she added.
"We'd like to reassure people there is no evidence at this time that the deaths have been caused deliberately; the cause of death could be accidental or through the animals eating a natural plant. However, until we receive the toxicology results confirming what substance has led to these incidents, we must keep an open mind and have taken precautionary steps to alert the public.
"We hope those results will help us to establish the specific location of where the incidents have occurred. Nevertheless we have been in contact with those who run the Redland Green Allotment to make them aware of what has happened, in case new materials or chemicals have recently been used which they were unaware was having a toxic effect. We have reached out to the local authority and nearby school as well to make them aware.
"Neighbourhood officers are carrying out patrols in the area to identify any further incidents as well as to engage with the community and make them aware of what has happened. We'd advise the public to be alert to possible poisonous substances in that area, and to be vigilant of any animals that may appear in distress or showing signs of poisoning. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5223095496,” she added.
Redland Green School told parents and pupils about the investigation on Thursday last week, April 27. “There has been a report that several animals have been found dead/dying across the last few weeks near to and around the Redland Green allotments,” the school told parents.
“These include dogs, cats, foxes and a badger. Some of these animals were taken to a vet surgery where it was established they were poisoned. At this time, the Police have no clue where in the area it has happened, but it may be inside the allotments. This has been occurring since around 19/03/23, when the first animal was found.
“This could be deliberate, accidental or a wildflower/plant. Please be alert to possible poisonous substances around the allotments, and to be vigilant of any animals that may appear in distress or showing signs of poisoning.
“Please be assured that we take all safeguarding issues extremely seriously and would like to take this opportunity to remind all students and parents to be observant and to report any suspicious behaviour to the Police and the School. If you have any information regarding this letter, please contact the Police on 101,” they added.
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