Dogs are being targeted in Antrim with dark chocolate, it has emerged.
A warning has been issued after the toxic chocolate was discovered in a number of gardens belonging to families who have dogs.
Chocolate contains substances known as methylxanthines - which is a mix of caffeine and theobromine, which dogs cannot consume in any great volume.
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Unable to process it and expel it safely, dogs are much more sensitive to chocolate than humans and different types of chocolate contain varying amounts of methylxanthines.
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The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the greater the danger.
Half a pound of milk chocolate may sicken a a medium-sized dog, but the same dog could be poisoned by as little as one ounce of dark chocolate.
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Now dog owners in Antrim have been told to be on the lookout after 80% cocoa dark chocolate was thrown into gardens in the Parkhall and Steeple areas.
A spokesperson for Pets Lost and Found Northern Ireland said: "Please thoroughly check yards and gardens before you let your dogs out.
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"The two beautiful Boxers targeted this time were lucky and owner spotted it before they could eat any of it. Please be vigilant."
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