Norfolk Rural Crime, an arm of Norfolk Constabulary, says it dealt with an incident in Wymondham on March 24 where officers retrieved a packet of poison that had been pulled out of an open hole by an animal.

The force warns that though many products are available over the counter and online, secondary ingredients have "very strict" requirements on how they can be used.

A spokesman for the force said: "It's getting to that time of year when we all want to get out in the garden, tidy up, deal with pests and enjoy the incoming sun.

"Please, if you are using rodenticides, follow the strict guidance provided on both the outer and inner packaging.

"Thankfully, in this case, the source had been identified and removed before any harm was believed to have occurred.

"If you believe pest control is being used incorrectly, report it to your local authority environmental health team."

© Norwich Evening News