Animal lovers fear a “suspicious” pile of dog food dumped on a beach could have been poisoned.

It follows reports of similar incidents where meat - suspected by some to be contaminated - has been discarded across Whitstable during the past month.

The mysterious pile was discovered on the shore between West Beach Pavilion Caravan Park and the tennis courts.

Lynsey Conacher, 46, says she was walking her puppy, Cookie, on the beach when she caught him eating the dry dog food.

“He was immediately sick, which I hope has got rid of it all - but why would someone do this?” she said.

Mrs Conacher says she saw comments on a Facebook group which detailed a sighting of a man dumping the food at 9.30am on Tuesday, October 22.

She added: “I’m just wondering if there could be any kind of innocent explanation? A beach warden has also contacted me suggesting I report it to the council as anti-social behaviour.

“I still have a sample of the food so would be interested if someone were able to test it.”

It was reported by KentOnline this month a mystery meat dumper who “hates animals” was leaving allegedly poisoned scraps near a popular playing field.

Stacks of raw meat were discarded next to a lamppost near the exit of All Saints churchyard.

It is still unknown why the meat was abandoned - but some residents suggested it was being left there to feed foxes.

Meanwhile, on October 17, raw meat was found at Westmeads Recreation Ground by a dog walker who put it in the bin in case it was “harmful”.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “Animals, and especially dogs, are often extremely curious and will be drawn to food they find lying around.

“If anyone suspects that their pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have they must contact a vet for advice immediately and take along what they think has harmed them.”

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