Family heartbreak over dog poisoning in Pateley Bridge

A family has spoken of its heartbreak after losing a dog to a deadly “cocktail of poisons” in Pateley Bridge.

The family had taken Molly, a springer spaniel, and Poppy, a cocker spaniel for a walk on April 23 when the two dogs both suddenly fell ill.

Both went to the vet but Molly died shortly afterwards. Poppy has since recovered.

Molly and Poppy’s family said in a statement losing one of their dogs to poison has been “soul-destroying” and added:

“We miss Molly every day. She was a lovely dog, daft as a brush, and she loved everything and everybody. One minute she was a lovely, bubbly spaniel and then she was gone, in a heartbeat.”

The family had taken the dogs for a walk up to Two Stoops. On the way home Poppy started being sick and Molly began twitching later.

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About an hour later the vets called the family to say that Molly had died.

“It’s bad enough losing an old dog, but Molly was only three and half, she was fit and healthy and she should still be here, she didn’t need to die. We’re so angry that some people think it’s alright to put out poison.”

The family has been left asking questions about why anyone would do this, and what if it had happened to someone’s child.

Samples found four poisons, which combined together have been named locally as a Nidderdale cocktail.

The tests concluded that exposure to the poisons was the most likely cause of Molly’s death.

It is feared the two dogs inadvertently came across a poison bait that may have been placed to target birds of prey.

The Stray Ferret has previously reported an increase in bird poisonings in the Nidderdale area after six birds died due to suspected poisonings.

To encourage people to come forward with information, local businessman Keith Tordoff has offered a £5000 reward.

North Yorkshire Police executed searches at a number of properties in the area on July 17. Investigations are ongoing.

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‘Nidderdale cocktail’ found in poisoned dogs in Pateley Bridge

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after two pet dogs were poisoned in Pateley Bridge with the same combination of poisons used to kill local birds of prey.

The two dogs fell seriously ill while being walked in April. One did not survive.

Samples from the dog that died found four poisons, which combined together have been named locally as a Nidderdale cocktail.

The tests concluded that exposure to the poisons was the most likely cause of the dog’s death.

The Stray Ferret has previously reported an increase in bird poisonings in the Nidderdale area after six birds died due to suspected poisonings.

To encourage people to come forward with information, local businessman Keith Tordoff has offered a £5000 reward.

Road sign for Pateley bridge

Police are appealing for information about animals being poisoned in the area.

Inspector Matt Hagen, head of North Yorkshire’s rural taskforce, said:

“The fact we have seen this same combination of chemicals, the Nidderdale cocktail as it is sometimes known, also cause the death of birds of prey in this same location would indicate that the poisons have been deliberately left in a place where they could be found by wildlife and unfortunately in this case, domestic pets.

“Pesticide abuse of any kind will not be tolerated and we are doing everything we can to try and find those responsible.”

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The test results and local intelligence led North Yorkshire Police to search several properties in the area. However, none provided any clear evidence about how the poisons reached the two dogs.

The poisons are chloralose, bendiocarb, isofenphos and carbofuran. Chloralose is licensed for use in England in low concentrations but the other three are all banned.

Police have warned that none of these chemicals should be used in an environment where domestic animals or wildlife could come into contact with them. A person misusing pesticides could be charged with a variety of offences.

Mark Thomas, head of investigations at the RSPB, said:

“Carbofuran is one of the most commonly abused substances in the poisoning of birds of prey. It is a highly toxic, banned substance putting wildlife, pets and people at risk.

“This is not the first time harmful substances have been found left out in the open and sadly it unlikely to be the last. This reckless and irresponsible behaviour, which had led to the death of a beloved family pet, cannot be allowed to continue.”

To help the police call 101, quoting reference: 12200068444 or if to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Nidderdale Museum delays reopening with volunteers in self-isolation

Nidderdale Museum had planned to reopen next month but many of its volunteers are self-isolating or shielding.

Without its regular supply of volunteers, it will likely stay closed until October and even then just on weekends for three hours.

The museum had put in a one-way system and pause points as well as hand sanitising stations and a self-service contactless payment system.

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Now the museum has launched an appeal for volunteers between 16 and 69 years old. They have asked volunteers to get in touch before August 8.

Sue Welch, chairman of the Nidderdale Museum, told The Stray Ferret:

“There are various other museums in Yorkshire that are saying they are likely to have the same problems because many of their volunteers are over 70. I am afraid it is a known issue. People that volunteer are often older people and particularly museum volunteers. Although this is an immediate need we are hoping it will bear fruit for the future as well.”

The government gave the museums the go-ahead to reopen from July 4. However, many may be in the same position as Nidderdale Museum.

Nidderdale Museum had been working towards an exhibition celebrating the 700th anniversary of the Markets and Fair Charter to Pateley Bridge but may need to delay until 2021.

Alien plant puts Nidderdale beauty spots under threat

Nidderdale’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is under threat from an invasive Himalayan plant.

Those that look after the beauty spots have tried to keep them under control but have now appealed to the public to help cut them back.

Himalayan balsam is infamous for its impact on the health of river banks and wildlife. Its explosive seed heads spread very easily.

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The plant overshadows native plant species and causes widespread erosion of river and canal banks. It leads to flooding and the suffocation of fish eggs.

Iain Mann, Nidderdale AONB manager, said:

“We have a dedicated team of consultants, contractors and volunteers surveying and removing the offending plant. It may just seem like a plant but biosecurity is important to protect against the invasion and needs to be taken seriously.”

Nidderdale’s AONB team is working on three water bodies in Upper Nidderdale to remove the plants. It is part of a healthy rivers project, funded by a European Union grant.

Himalayan balsam is an invasive plant species.

Himalayan balsam has large, pink flowers shaped like a bonnet. Photo: Elizabeth Bishop

The public can notify the team of Himalayan balsam on a national database through the plant tracker app that can be found here.

Although people can remove them if it is on their property it may be best to leave the plant to the experts as it could spread further if done incorrectly.

No plans to reopen top Nidderdale restaurant with Michelin star

The Yorke Arms has no plans to reopen its Michelin Star restaurant in Nidderdale. The owners will open the country house for private hire instead.

Managers closed the restaurant down at the start of lockdown. Now they do not believe that it is financially viable to reopen with the current social distancing guidelines.

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Instead, they are repitching the Yorke Arms as “the ultimate staycation” to reconnect and immerse. It will be an informal space for private events and overnight stays.

The dining room will still be open for guests to eat together but it could also work as a boardroom meeting or wedding ceremony space.

The Yorke Arms Restaurant.

The Yorke Arms Restaurant.

They have also adapted the living space areas to become lounges and guests can bring their own alcohol for the bar.

Owner Jonathan Turner said:

“The Yorke Arms has been a hostelry for over 100 years and the team are excited to move forward and ensure that legacy evolves and stays alive. Yes these are challenging times for all however we are determined not to let recent events prevent our guests from enjoying the enviable location and stunning interiors. This is Yorkshire. We pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and move on.”

With 17 individually styled Yorkshire-proud bedrooms with en-suites, The Yorke Arms can accommodate 33 guests overnight and many more during the day or evening.

Fire damages Pateley Bridge art shop

A fire damaged HSC Fine Arts and Antiques in Pateley Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Nobody was in the building at the time of the fire and firefighters safely extinguished it by the evening. The holiday flat above the shop was also empty.

According to owner David Hinchcliffe, who also owns Artful Arts in Pateley Bridge, the fire was started by a light fitting which failed.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“These things happen. We’ve spent the whole of lockdown renovating our other shop so thank goodness it wasn’t that one.

“At least we didn’t lose much and nobody was hurt.”

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The shop specialises in 18th-century antique prints and Mr Hinchcliffe said most of the artwork was covered which has protected it from smoke damage.

He added:

“We’ll have it up and running again before long.”

Harrogate Council approves leisure services overhaul

Harrogate Borough Council will set up a new company to run leisure in the district as part of a shake-up of the service and press ahead with borrowing £26 million to invest in facilities.

Senior councillors on the authority’s cabinet last night voted to create the company, called Brimham’s Active, to run services such as the Harrogate Hydro.

The authority will also look to approach the government’s Public Works Loans Board to borrow £26 million to fund two capital projects, which include a refurbishment of the Hydro and a new leisure centre in Knaresborough.

It follows a council consultation which saw nearly half of respondents disagree with the move and residents in Starbeck vowing to fight any future threat to the area’s 150-year-old baths.

Councillors said the investment strategy and the new company go “hand in hand” and will help to reduce costs on maintenances and running leisure and sport.

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Stan Lumley, cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport at the authority, described the decision to set up the company as a “major decision” for the council.

He said: “It is the biggest financial decision for the council for many years and the investment strategy is crucial to enhance services.

“The company does what it says on the tin. It is not a privatised company, It is something I have been pushing for these past two years to make clear that it is administered by the council.”

Harrogate Hydro is among the facilities which will be run by the new leisure company.

Among the facilities that will be run by Brimham’s Active will be the Harrogate Hydro, Ripon Leisure Centre and Nidderdale Leisure Centre.

Leisure services in the district currently run at a loss of £3.5 million a year and some facilities have increased in cost year on year.

The council will spend £300,000 to set up the company through project start up costs and it is expected to operate from August 2021.

The decision will now go to a full council meeting to be rubber stamped.

Nearly half disagree with council’s leisure service shake-up

As senior Harrogate councillors decide on setting up a new leisure company to run services across the district, the responses from the public have not all been positive.

Nearly half of the 433 respondents to the council’s consultation on the future of leisure and sport said they either strongly disagreed or disagreed with the plan to set up an arms length company.

The authority is to vote tonight on whether or not to set up the company owned by the council, called Brimham’s Active, to run services such as the Harrogate Hydro and Ripon Leisure Centre.

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Within the consultation document there are a number of reasons why people don’t agree with the proposal.

One person said they were concerned that the move was the first step toward higher prices.

“Although it will be a Local Authority Controlled Company, I see this as the first step to handing over the company to a private company for profit and this would lead to higher charges in the long run.”

Another said the authority should retain control of the service.

“Given the anticipated savings are not proportionally huge, I would rather the council stayed in full control.”

Others said it should serve the interest of the wider public.

Giving over control of our wonderful leisure services to a private company (even a LACC), whose primary aim will be to generate a profit rather than serve the best interests of the society, seems a very bad idea.

Around 27% neither agreed or disagreed with the proposal, 19% agreed and 8% strongly agreed.

If given the go-ahead, the company would run services in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough and Nidderdale.

The council said the company and future investment would help to save money on leisure services which currently operate at a £3.5 million loss.

But the plans have been met by opposition from both residents in Starbeck, where the local baths future would be considered by the council, and unions which expressed concern at the consultation process.

Harrogate disability charity brings countryside into homes

Harrogate charity Open Country, which works with people with disabilities, has been innovating to find ways to bring wildlife activities into its members’ homes.

The charity normally runs weekly activities for people with a disability including tandem cycling, walking and nature study. Several of its activities require guidance and close contact, specifically to members with visual impairments. But over lockdown these were suspended to protect members.

Telephone befriending, virtual spinning sessions and blogs about nature are a few of the ways the charity is supporting its members as restrictions remain in place.

The ONS reported that more than a third of disabled adults had spent too much time alone since lockdown began, compared with a fifth of non-disabled adults.

Lizzie Hughes, the countryside activities officer for Open Country, told The Stray Ferret about the impact of lockdown on their members:

“For people with a disability it is an even bigger struggle, it’s not just the initial 12 weeks it will be difficult for them in the coming weeks too. Until we can resume in a safe way we have no confirmed date to return. The severity of the situation means some members may be able to return earlier but we want to be as inclusive as we can.

“We know it won’t return back to normal instantly, it will take time for us to adjust and offer the same service again.”

Open country members have previously enjoyed group activities, but now the charity has to find new ways to offer support to its members.

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Nature has a positive impact on the charity’s members but under lockdown their opportunities to go outside are limited. To combat this Open Country has introduced a new initiative ‘Breakfree’ – a collection of local walks suitable for all abilities round Harrogate, Nidderdale and Wharfedale.

Lizzie added:

“The Breakfree packs were developed with wheelchair users and those with limited mobility in mind. But they’ve been perfect for families and local people who have been limited to an hour’s exercise per day around their local area. The packs are free to download and will help you discover footpaths on your doorstep.”

 

Six suspected poisonings of birds of prey in Nidderdale

Since the beginning of lockdown, North Yorkshire’s rural taskforce has reported one confirmed and five suspected cases of bird poisonings in the Nidderdale area.

Local businessman Keith Tordoff has put forward a £5000 reward to encourage people to come forward with information.

The first case of poisoning was noted over 18 months ago when a red kite was poisoned, but in recent months the issue seems to have resurfaced.

The confirmed case was found by a couple after a buzzard fell into their garden from a tree at the beginning of lockdown.

The several suspected cases include two family dogs, both fell ill on a walk in Nidderdale in March.

It was suspected they had eaten some poisoned bait that was meant for the birds. The two spaniel breeds were taken to the vets, where one died following the incident.

Including these two dogs, there have been a further five suspected incidents of poisonings over the past three months. Inspector Matt Hagan, the head of the rural taskforce said:

“As well as the one confirmed poisoning of a buzzard a few months ago I have sent another five suspected incidents of poisonings to the labs. I am still awaiting results, but there may be other incidents I am unaware of from other teams in the surrounding areas. The bird breeds include peregrine falcons, buzzards and red kites”.

The lockdown has meant the lab reports are delayed however the team is dedicated to finding the person responsible.

Nidderdale is a tourist hotspot, but with a series of suspected bird poisonings it has become the centre of police enquiries.

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Keith Tordoff, a local business man and former Chair of the Chamber of Trade for Pateley Bridge, said:

“When I realised the severity of what was happening I decided to put up a reward of £5000 for information.  We got some information at the beginning but no-one was convicted. Then, in lockdown a buzzard fell out of a tree into a couple’s garden still alive, when it was taken to the vet it was confirmed as a poisoning. Tests found four chemicals, three of which are illegal.”

The cash reward is still active as no convictions have been made in this case.