Dogs in Northern Ireland are being targeted with dark chocolate, it has been claimed.
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.
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.
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.
Dogs Trust warns owners over giving 'toxic' chocolate to pets over Easter holidays
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 of Antrim, Belfast Live reports.
A spokesperson for Pets Lost and Found Northern Ireland said: "Please thoroughly check yards and gardens before you let your dogs out.
"The two beautiful Boxers targeted this time were lucky and owner spotted it before they could eat any of it.
"Please be vigilant."
