A sign warning people about dogs being poisoned in South Park has been accused of being a ‘stupid hoax’.

Concerned dog walkers and park users posted warnings on Twitter and Facebook after a sign appeared at the entrance to the park stating that dogs were being poisoned.

It read: “Attention all dog owners.

“There are reports that dogs are being poisoned by a substance in the park.

“The poisoning seems to be caused by rat poison or warfarin.

“This makes the dogs vomit, gasp for air and bleed profusely.”

Karen Hyde posted a link to the sign on Twitter, saying: “Spotted on south park entrance. What’s going on dog owners are concerned?”

Others took to the Express Facebook page to voice their concerns.

Anthony Royle said: “Anyone know who put the signs up ,it may also be someone carrying out a hoax, would be good to know.”

A member on the Macclesfield Dog Lovers group on Facebook said a friend had been to a vet due to poisoning.

But police and Cheshire East council, which manages the park on Park Vale Road, said they have not received any reports of dogs being poisoned.

Inspector Stephen Griffiths said: “The local PCSO has seen the sign but I’ve trawled through our records and can’t find any reports of dogs being poisoned.

“We are not investigating but will keep an eye on it and would like to hear from anyone with information.”

A Cheshire East spokesman said it was not a council sign and that workers have now removed it.

He said: “We’ve not had any reports of dog poisoning but are investigating.”

Vets practices around the town have received calls from worried pet owners.

But John Harper, partner at Bond Street Vets, said they have had no confirmed cases of poisoning.

He said that rat poison can appear in the form of blue blocks but can also be put into food.

He said: “It’s natural for people to be worried and it’s advisable to keep dogs on leads and under close supervision, but we’ve not had any cases.

“Rat poison is a very specific type of poison. It’s usually warfarin based and causes internal bleeding. The signs can be when dogs cough blood or it’s in their urine. It stops the blood clotting.

“They will be very lethargic, the poison doesn’t kill instantly, it happens over days.

“It can be treated effectively but if left then the dog can die within days.

“I’ve not known dogs to be poisoned in South Park.

“Let’s hope it’s just a stupid hoax.”

Last September the Express reported claims by cat owners that their pets were being poisoned.