The Metropolitan Police have issued a warning to dog walkers as fears that animals are being poisoned in London parks. The force said that individuals may be attempting to poison foxes or dogs with contaminated chicken which they believe contains toxins and had been left on purpose to harm foxes or dogs.
The notice came after several reports of chicken being left in Holland Park and Brompton Cemetery on multiple days. Two foxes were found dead in Brompton Cemetery with no visible injuries, while a dog that had eaten meat elsewhere was reported to have become “very unwell”. Dog owners were urged to prevent their pets from scavenging and reminded that animals in the cemetery must be kept on a lead.
Kris Sikora, a professional dog-walker, told the BBC he had seen similar incidents in the past.
He said: “Before, we’ve had toys that have been left around that have been poisoned.
“The worst one that really shocked me was razor blades being left in tennis balls.”
He added that dogs should be taken to the vets if they eat something unknown, warning pet owners to “stay as vigilant as possible”.
Deliberately poisoning an animal, including foxes, is a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. However, it can often be difficult to establish whether such incidents are intentional or accidental.
Joe Thomason, the owner of Green Dog Walking, a London dog-walking company, told the Times: “We’re advising all dog owners to be extra vigilant when walking in parks, particularly in areas like Notting Hill where these reports have surfaced.
“As professional dog walkers, we always keep dogs under close supervision and discourage scavenging, but even well-trained dogs can pick something up very quickly.”
According to the RSPCA, there were ten reports of suspected fox poisonings in London in 2025, and 92 recorded between 2020 and 2025. The charity cautioned that the figures are indicative rather than definitive, as cases cannot be confirmed without a post-mortem.
It said symptoms can begin within 30 minutes of a toxin being ingested, although more serious effects such as kidney failure may take several days to develop. Warning signs include vomiting, lethargy, disorientation, seizures and breathing difficulties.
They said: “Many different substances can poison pets, so it’s beneficial for pet owners to be aware of the signs of poisoning so they can ensure they take their animals to a vet immediately.”