A LABRADOR died in its owner’s arms after eating poison put down for foxes.

It is the third dog to be poisoned in the Berechurch area of Colchester.

Police have warned owners to keep their pets on leads.

Merlin, a three-year-old black labrador, had been walking across Abbey Field from Napier Road to Berechurch Road.

He collapsed on his return home. Owner Lesley Dove was working at the Odd One Out pub, in Mersea Road, when she received a call from a friend to say her dog had fallen ill.

She took Merlin to an emergency vet in High Woods, but he died in the car.

Staff at the vets said the most likely cause of death was poisoned bait. Miss Dove, 45, of The Willows, said: “I’m just gutted. He was a fit, strong, healthy dog.

“He was so loving and everybody adored him. He had a really engaging personality.”

It follows the death of a 13-year-old cross-breed in December and a six-year-old whippet in January.

It is believed they had eaten poisoned meat in the Middlewick ranges area.

Miss Dove said: “I had been taking the dogs over to Abbey Field because I knew about the problems on the ranges, which would be my most convenient route.

“It would appear someone is still putting out poison.

“People who walk their dogs in that area need to be especially vigilent and keep an eye on their dogs picking anything up.

“I would appeal to anyone who is responsible to think about what you’re doing.

“There may be a fox problem, but innocent animals are dying. It’s the epitome of irresponsibility.”

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defences said it had not been using poison on its land.

Dave Harris, ward councillor, said: “If anyone knows who is putting poison out, I appeal for them to contact me as soon as possible so I can work with the Army and police to stop a repeat.”