A Suffolk businessman today doubled an Ipswich Star reward offered after two dogs died of suspected poisoning.

The �500 bounty was put up yesterday after it was reported that five dogs fell ill after eating slug pellets on Rushmere Common.

Michael Blowers, 52, who owns Bin Busters, a bin cleaning company, has now doubled the reward to �1,000, payable for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the sickening crimes.

Mr Blowers, of Houghton Place, regularly walks his Labrador puppy, WIllow, in the area and he admitted the poisonings are a big worry for dog owners.

He hopes the reward will help bring the offenders to justice.

He said: “I’ve got a lab puppy, that’s why I’ve decided to do this.

“I’ve had labs all my life and if you take them for a walk they will eat almost anything, so that’s a bit worrying for me.

“There are so many rumours going around about what is happening – I hope that someone will spill the beans on the people that are doing it.”

Suffolk Coastal District Council placed posters around the area last November after a 12-year-old Jack Russell and a miniature schnauzer both died of suspected poisonings.

Suffolk police have confirmed that no arrests have been made in relation to the crimes but officers are keen to trace those responsible.

PCSO Mike Sarbutts, of Kesgrave and District Safer Neighbourhood team, said: “We really do need to find out who was responsible because it was a despicable act.”

If you have any information about the incidents, please contact PCSO Sarbutts on 101 or Suffolk Coastal countryside officer Peter Ross on 01394 444619.

Has your pet been the victim of poisoning? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN, or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk