FRESHLY cooked chicken contaminated with rat poison has been left out for domestic pets to eat on a pavement in Glan Conwy, claims a dog owner.

Linda Thomas says the meat - laced with distinctive green rat poison pellets - has been dumped outside her Top Llan Road on three occasions.

She said: “It is an obvious temptation for pets like dogs and cats and even birds.”

Mrs Thomas , who has two cocker spaniels, said: “I believe it causes kidney failure and for the animal to bleed out and die and is very painful. I don’t understand why anyone would be so cruel.

“It is a very brutal thing to do.

“I’ve cleaned the meat which was full of green rat poison pellets, and have reported it to the police and to the RSPCA.”

PCSO John Richards said: “One theory is it could be there is someone in the village who may have been upset at dog fouling.

“It could easily have been eaten by cats or even dogs on leads, if their owners are not quick enough to stop them. It causes pain and death to animals and great distress to their owners.”

He said that anyone who may have any relevant information should use the 101 system quoting reference number: W008273, or ring him directly on 07989 168456.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA Cymru said: “We are very concerned to hear cooked chicken laced with rat poison has been left out for animals in Glan Conwy.

“If anyone is concerned their pet may have been poisoned they should contact their vet immediately.

“Signs that your animal could be poisoned vary and could include depression, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties and bad breath.

“Anyone who believes their pet has been deliberately poisoned should call the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty helpline on 0300 1234 999.

Poisoning a dog deliberately is a criminal offence.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum penalty for those found guilty of this offence is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine.