A viral social media post alleging the deliberate placement of poisoned food to harm dogs in Shepton Mallet and Glastonbury has been debunked by police.

While the posts garnered significant attention on Facebook and NextDoor, police have confirmed that no instances of such incidents have been reported to them, urging the public to exercise caution when sharing unverified information on social media platforms.

The social media post, which rapidly gained traction, warned dog owners in the Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury areas of individuals targeting dogs and other animals by leaving out poisoned food.

The alarming message circulated widely, causing distress and anxiety among pet owners who feared for the safety of their beloved companions.

The post reads:

Please dog owners and walkers be mindful of some disturbed person giving and spreading poisoned dog treats. This has been reported in Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet....

But a police spokesperson said that while the post was well-intentioned, there is no record of any such instances being reported to them.

The spokesperson said: "We take all concerns related to community safety seriously, but to date, we have not received any reports or evidence supporting the claims made in the social media post. However, we would encourage the public to report any suspicious activities they may encounter."

A spokesperson for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advised caution while walking dogs and encourages owners to maintain awareness of their surroundings during walks.

"While we cannot disregard the community's concerns, it is essential to rely on verified information and report any suspicious activities directly to the authorities," she said. "Dog owners should continue to prioritise the safety of their pets by supervising them during walks, ensuring they don't consume anything potentially harmful."