Police are investigating the horrific death of a gundog after it picked up a dead pigeon illegally laced with poison.

Sally, a two-year-old Labrador, collapsed to the ground and started foaming at the mouth while out walking with her owner, David Oddy, on the outskirts of a village near Tadcaster.

The poison - which the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed was the agricultural pesticidec Aldicarb - left the dog without any hope of survival. It died an agonising death, suffering convulsions and massive muscle spasms only minutes after placing the bait in its mouth. North Yorkshire Police wildlife liaison officers are now investigating the incident. A police spokesman said today that lacing pigeons with poison was an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

He said: "It's usually used to get rid of vermin such as foxes as well as crows and magpies. But it's very indiscriminate. It will kill domestic pets and that's why it is banned.

"We know it takes place but it's very difficult to catch the culprits."

Mr Oddy, who is married with two children, was taking Sally for an early morning walk when the incident happened.

He watched in horror as his beloved pet, which was fully trained as a gundog, collapsed as its back legs suddenly gave way.

He said: "Sally disappeared into a field and when I whistled her to come back, she brought me the pigeon.

"Fortunately I managed to flag down a passing motorist and was able to take Sally home where I rang the vets, but there was nothing they could do to save her.

"It was a horrendous way to see a dog die. I have gone public because I want Sally's death to serve as a warning to anyone thinking of doing the same. I'm only thankful I didn't touch the pigeon."

His wife, Janine, said today that Sally had been a super dog and their children were very upset.

She added: "The vets were disgusted and immediately referred the matter to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. David is gutted."

Updated: 14:52 Tuesday, June 19, 2001