DOG walkers have been urged to be cautious when out in the Bonk in Westhoughton after piles of bird food and dog snacks were left in the area of woodland.

A dog walker has warned people not to leave the food there as curious dogs may end up eating something they shouldn't.

It appears that the items have been dumped randomly, one pile was near the entrance to the Bonk while a second was along a path heading up to the field.

Rachel Minshull said that it's not the first time this has happened and the fat balls which have been left can be toxic to dogs.

She said: "Whoever is leaving dog food rolls, rawhide, bird seed balls and puffed chicken feet in piles over the Bonk needs to stop.

"People use the Bonk to walk there dogs in the shade during the hot weather and but it's hard to keep them safe with these piles.

"Rawhide can also kills dogs as it can get stuck in there throats or swell in the stomach. Fat balls are also toxic to dogs as it is pure fat and they can't digest or tolerate this amount.

"I came across two piles of food this morning but I was unable to clear them up as I only had dog poop bags with me, and this amount would need large bags and gloves.

"I urge people to help clear it up if they can.

"Please stop this happening as much as it is lovely to think about the wildlife and help them, but it could result in a poorly dog or dead dog if it carries on."