Corby puppy death confirmed as poison after East Carlton walk ends in tragedy

The death of a beloved pet puppy in a popular Corby park and recreation area has sparked fears that dogs are being put at deadly risk accidentally or deliberately.

Boss, an 18-week-old pedigree rottweiler puppy, died in his owner's arms after being rushed to the vets after suddenly falling ill at East Carlton Park on Saturday afternoon.

Owners Shanneil and Gary Julian and their two youngest children Milly, five, and four-year-old Cole were minutes into a walk at the Corby Council-owned park when Boss became ill and collapsed within moments.

The beloved puppy was rushed in the family car to the nearest vet - Vets4Pets - on Pheoenix Parkway but by the time they arrived, he had died.

Shanneil, 30, said: "The vet has said it was poison.

"We parked up. We went past the play area and passed in front of the big house and let him off the lead.

"It can't have been more than 20 seconds. He was sniffing around a molehill when he started gagging. My daughter called us over. We thought there must have been something in his throat. He was gagging then he was sick with his lunch coming up, then saliva. Then he couldn't breathe and he collapsed. I thought he's either inhaled something or ate something."

A friend of the family whisked the children away while the couple continued to give medical assistance to the puppy.

Mrs Julian ran to the cafe to ask for help while members of the public tried to look for anything that may have been stuck in his throat.

People helping on the scene had contacted the nearest vets who were put on standby to receive Boss.

Mrs Julian said: "He was throwing up blood. We were trying to keep his heart beating. Gary picked him up and carried him to the car. We grabbed the kids and drove straight there. By the time we got there it was too late."

Corby Council manages the park with grounds maintenance contracted to the shared service of Kettering and Corby Council.

A statement issued by Corby Council said: "We are aware that there was an incident where a dog became ill at East Carlton Park over the weekend and was taken to the vet where it sadly passed away.

"We have searched the area where we believe the young dog was and cannot find any evidence of any poison around the area.

"We would like to reassure those who use East Carlton Country Park that we do not use any kind of poison at all within the park and are not aware of any other incidents of dogs falling ill here.

"We take the safety of our customers extremely seriously and are investigating things fully with those concerned."

Mrs Julian said: "I don't blame East Carlton Park."

And she added: "We had only had him four weeks. He was such an intelligent dog. He would sit, stay and walk to heel.

"He was part of our family. He was so clever, energetic and friendly. I don't think I'll get another puppy again.

"It's going to be etched in my memory for the rest of my life. I never felt so hopeless in all my life. I don't want this to happen to anyone else."

Corby dog trainer Pam Hutchison, owner of Citizen Canine, has been avoiding East Carlton park since the incident.

She said: "I am avoiding the park at the moment. I don't know if it was malicious or accidental. I would advise people to keep their dogs on a lead and be extra vigilant because it could potentially happen again."