Dog owners who frequent the downland around Beachy Head are being urged to exercise caution after rat poison was discovered in a roadside car park. Eastbourne Council officers were alerted to the presence of suspicious pellets that were later confirmed to be rat poison. The pellets were spread on the ground at the Beachy Head West Car Park, where the tarmac meets the downland.
The council’s Neighbourhood First and Environment First teams acted swiftly and cleared the pellets at first light on Monday morning. However, a second batch of pellets was discovered in the same car park later on Monday, prompting another round of cleanup by council officers. Nearby parking areas were also checked, but no additional pellets were found.
Sussex Police have been notified of the incident, and council officers are now undertaking regular checks of the car parks in the Beachy Head area. Dog owners are being advised to remain vigilant and keep a close eye on their pets when walking in the vicinity.
If you suspect that your dog may have come into contact with the rat poison, you are urged to contact your vet immediately. Meanwhile, if you find any suspicious-looking substances on the downland around Beachy Head, please report it to Eastbourne Borough Council at 01323 410000.