Rumours were spread on Next Door

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AN honest error – or a malicious rumour spread by someone with a grudge against dogs?

These are the questions being asked by Hampstead Heath regulars after reports were filed at the weekend of dogs being poisoned on the open space.

It was claimed that a dog-hating misanthrope was leaving succulent chops laced with toxic chemicals for canines to find – and that Heath rangers were patrolling the area and warning dog walkers not to let their pets off leads.

The rumour spread quickly on the social media website Next Door but as worried dog walkers shared the news, there was a problem: it simply isn’t true.

The original post claimed that they had been told by someone else that a dog had been taken seriously ill after a walk on East Heath – and the owner had said they had found poisoned dog treats in the form of meat left around. But the post was at best incorrect and possibly malicious, aired by someone with a grievance against dog walkers.

Heath managers the City of London said they were always vigilant over such reports but no rangers had been issuing warnings, no contaminated meat had been found, and no one had reported any suspicious activity or incidents of dogs falling ill.

A spokesman said: “We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and urge all dog walkers to remain vigilant. If you see anything suspicious, report it to a member of staff or the Hampstead Heath Constabulary on 020 8340 5260 or by emailing HH-Constabulary@cityoflondon.gov.uk”