Dog walkers in Freemantle Common are frustrated as raw chicken keeps showing up, posing health risks to their pets and raising concerns.
Freemantle: It all started when Facebook users began sharing odd sightings of raw chicken at Freemantle Common. This was back in December, and it’s still happening!
Last week, Alice Cavalleri, a pet behaviorist, posted a photo of the raw meat in the grass. She’s not the only one; more reports have come in this week too.
Alice mentioned that the dog walker community is pretty upset. Many dogs have gotten sick over the years, and they’re all on high alert about any food left in the park.
She and her friends think someone might be leaving the chicken out to feed foxes. But that’s a risky move for the dogs!
Alice runs a pet training business called 360 Pawsibilities. She warns that raw meat can be really dangerous for dogs. They’re natural scavengers and will eat anything they find.
She shared a story about her older dog who ended up in the pet hospital after eating something at Freemantle Common just before Christmas. It was a tough experience, and vet bills can add up quickly.
While raw bones can be safe if chewed properly, many dogs tend to gulp down the meat, which can lead to choking or other issues.
Alice pointed out that they don’t know where the food comes from or how long it’s been there. It could be spoiled or carry harmful pathogens.
She also mentioned that bigger dogs can choke on it too. Her border collie almost choked trying to swallow some raw chicken.
A spokesperson from Southampton City Council said they weren’t aware of the situation before. They think a well-meaning resident might be trying to help the foxes.
They promised to look into it during their routine checks and reminded everyone that leaving food for wild animals can attract unwanted guests.
