Banned pesticide found near Muir of Ord farmland where dog died
Police have carried out "extensive enquiries" in the area of Faebait Farm near Muir of Ord after the death of a dog on farmland.
Initial searches began on Thursday last week following the death of the dog and traces of a banned pesticide being found in the area.
Further searches have been carried out this week by Police Scotland and the Scottish Government Rural Payments Directorate (SGRIPD) in an attempt to locate the source of the substance.
All of the areas commonly used by dog walkers have now been searched.
The pesticide that has tested positive is Aldicarb - a carbamate pesticide that has been banned for more than 10 years.
It has not been possible to establish if this was a deliberate and targetted act or if someone has used the area to discard the pesticide, police said in a statement issued today.
Inspector Mike Middlehurst said: "Due to the time since the original report the substance will now have degraded substantially into the soil, particularly given the recent weather conditions we have had.
"We are awaiting some tests back from our colleagues at SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture). I would still advise dog walkers to ensure that pets are kept on a short lead and under close control when walking in the area.
"Any person who comes across any items that cause them concern should contact the police immediately - do not touch the items.
"I would like to thank all the property owners in the area for their full co-operation and frankness in their passing of information regarding this incident.
"Should anyone find substances in a shed or outhouse that they are not sure about please contact your local SGRPD office for directions and instructions as to what to do.
"Do not disturb the items or take them into a warm environment or transport them as you will not know what consequences this could have."
