A DEVASTATED dog owner is warning others to be vigilant after her pet’s tragic death.

Chloe Nicholson, of Dearham, is speaking out following the death of her beloved Jack Russell Billy.

He had to be put down after swallowing something she believes to be poison.

She said: “He was a very lovely little dog filled with character.

“Please keep your dog on a lead or keep a very close eye on them when walking.

Chloe, who lives at Lonsdale Terrace in Dearham, believes the three-year-old dog ate something contaminated with anti-freeze while out on a walk.

When Billy became ill she rushed him to Millcroft Veterinary Practice in Cockermouth but vets were unable to save his life.

She said: “The vets themselves were exceptional, I really couldn’t fault them at all.”

Despite warning other Dearham dogwalkers, Chloe does not believe the poisoning was intentional.

She said: “I can’t be certain that it is aimed at dogs but personally I believe it is being used to poison vermin somewhere in the village.”

And following the incident, Allerdale council is urging people to contact them if they have a vermin problem.

Chloe made a plea for caution in a post on Facebook which has since gone viral.

She said: “A lady commented on my post to say she had the same with her cat, a man commented to say that his dog had picked something up, ate some bread on the Went and was poorly for two days.”

A spokesman for Allerdale Borough Council’s environmental health department said: “Whilst we don’t want to speculate on the reasons behind the unfortunate death of this dog, if it is due to poisoning, then we would advise anyone who is looking to eradicate pests such as rats or mice to contact a pest control expert first.”

The spokesman contiunued: “Allerdale Borough Council offers a pest control service, or there are private organisations that can help.”

To contact Allerdale council’s pest control service which deals with rats, mice and insects, call 03031231702.