A warning has been issued to pet owners after a dog died in a suspected poisoning.

After a walk in the Eden Village area of Sittingbourne, the dog began exhibiting signs of sickness after returning home.

Its owner rushed the animal to a veterinary surgery the next day but the dog died.

Following the incident last Monday, the group Kent’s Lost and Found Animals posted a warning on Facebook urging walkers to be extra vigilant.

It said: “The vets suspect poisoning.

“It’s truly sad when sick individuals can take joy and pleasure out of ruining a family like this.

“What’s truly more sad is that this is not a one-time thing and it’s happening again and again.”

However, Swale council dog warden Tim Oxley reminded people there was no conclusive evidence yet to suggest the dog was poisoned.

He said: “The vet is still trying to find a reason why the dog died. I’ve no idea at all.

“Unfortunately, a dog died and the reasons for it are unknown, unless the person who owns the dog wants an autopsy to find out.”

Mr Oxley said there were a number of other possible causes for the dog’s death, including a viper bite or a bee sting.

In 2013, panic was sparked in Faversham when six cats died in the space of two days after being poisoned with anti-freeze.

No one was arrested in connection with the incidents.