TESTS are being carried out on samples taken from four pet dogs which died at Millthrop, near Sedbergh.

Cumbria Police spokesman Mike Smith confirmed this week that an officer from Defra had sent samples away for further examination to see if an agricultural poison had been involved.

Police are trying to determine if poison is to blame and if the deaths were deliberate or caused by accident.

Mr Smith said it was expected that the results of the tests would be known in a few weeks.

Two terriers belonging to the Winn family, of Hillside Cottages, along with two West Highland terriers belonging to neighbour Violet Foster, have died and cyanide has been suspected.

As reported last week, four other dogs showed symptoms of having ingested poison and now dog owners are keeping a close eye on their pets.