Pet owners are being urged to be on alert after a discovery at a popular Belfast walking spot.
PSNI officers said around 200 pellets of what is believed to be rat poison had been left amongst bread on Annadale Embankment.
Police slammed those responsible and said it could kill or make any animal severely ill.
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An officer for the PSNI in Belfast said: "During my time in the PSNI I have seen some truly despicable things. What you see in the picture is approximately 200 pellets of what we believe to be rat poison left amongst bread. This was found by a member of the public on Annadale embankment area on the evening of 23/4/19.
"The big concern here is that this has been left out deliberately to entice animals to eat. There is absolutely no excuse for this and it will kill or make any animal severely ill, be it rodents or domestic animals.
"The likelihood is a dog would have eaten these and a family is left with a hefty vet bill or even worse the death of a beloved member of the family. Please be vigilant when walking your dog and ensure it doesn't eat anything it finds on the ground.
"If anyone has any information regarding this please contact us on the non-emergency number 101 and quote reference 1600 of 23/4/19."
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SDLP Botanic Representative Gary McKeown said he was "absolutely shocked" about the incident.
"This is an extremely cruel and heartless thing to do and I am stunned that it has happened," he said.
"Rat poison will cause a long and painful death in a pet dog or cat, so I have absolutely no idea why anyone would do this. I hope that no dogs have consumed the poison and that it hasn't been left out elsewhere.
"Please keep an eye out for anything resembling this when walking your dog and ensure it doesn't eat anything it finds on the ground."
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