A KINGTON Langley couple – heartbroken and angry after three of their dogs died – are calling on the police to do more, as they believe they were deliberately poisoned.

George Gale and his wife, June, found a commercial rat trap in their garden and believe that toxic substances have also been thrown into the large outdoor area where their eight dogs, Jack Russell terriers and a Welsh springer spaniel, have been free to roam.

The first of their pets, Timmy, died on December 12 last year. Then on May 25 another dog, Todd, died. Two more dogs were taken ill last week, with one, Ben, dying last Thursday (June 9). The other dog, Lola, was taken to the vets suffering from illness but is now recovering.

“We took two to the vet when they were still alive and he said it was probably toxin but he couldn’t say for definite,” said Mr Gale, 64, of Doveys Terrace, who has mobility issues.

“We went out into the garden after the second one died and found a commercial rat trap had been thrown into the garden and there was a strong aroma like anti-freeze, but we couldn’t see anything.

“The police said unless you can 100 per cent prove they were poisoned we won’t get involved, but they know what to look for, we don’t.

“They wanted us to have an autopsy done but it’s about £800 and we’re still fighting to pay for the last vet’s bill.”

The couple have now decided the only way to keep their pets safe is to fence off part of their garden, to prevent their remaining five dogs from getting to any affected areas.

“We’re stopping the dogs going to the area where we think they are being poisoned,” added Mr Gale.

“My wife is fighting cancer and is absolutely gutted, she says, ‘that’s it I just want to go to bed and die’.

“They’re not dogs, they’re family, and we’ve lived here 20 years and never had a problem.”

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “The incident has been investigated but no suspect has been identified at this stage.

“The case will be closed pending any further investigative opportunities becoming available.

“Anyone with information should call police on 101.”