AN URGENT warning has been issued to pet owners after two dogs died suddenly from suspected poisoning following a walk in Greenock.

Seven-year-old blue Staffordshire terrier Bella and daughter Luna, two, passed away last Monday and a vet believes they were poisoned.

Distraught owner Liam Coyle believes it happened during a walk at their usual spot just before Larkfield Industrial Estate.

It is thought the beloved family pets died after ingesting or coming into contact with something in the area, which is popular with dog walkers.

Liam, 21, lives in nearby Banff Road and had taken his pets out as normal after coming home from nightshift in Glasgow.

They came home and were fed and watered as usual before Liam went to bed.

When he woke up and went downstairs he found both dogs lying motionless and with horrific burns.

Liam's sister, Donna McKellar, 32, has spoken out about what happened on behalf of her devastated brother in a bid to warn others.

Donna, who lives in Port Glasgow, said: "Everything was fine and they were acting completely normal. "Liam went to get some sleep for work the next night and when he woke up he called the dogs but they didn't respond. "Usually you would hear a bark or something.

"He went downstairs and found them both dead."

Bella was a rescue dog that Liam took under his wing around four years ago and, along with Luna, they were inseparable.

As well as the awful injuries to their bodies, the vet believes they also suffered a seizure of some sort before they died.

Donna said: "The vet said they'd never seen anything like it. "Their guess was poisoning.

"It's hard to say what they could've come into contact with.

"Bella was a rescue dog who'd had a really rough life and Liam took her about four years ago.

"He always had the two of them with him, they were like his kids.

"These types of dogs get such a bad name but Bella was such a loving dog and was so lovely to Liam.

"My mum and sister have two of her litter. "It's so devastating.

"We're all gutted and totally shocked."

The family are now urging people to be cautious when out and about with their pets and their children.

They say they've been 'touched' by the response following a message posted online.

Officials from the Scottish SPCA have also issued advice in the wake of the dogs' deaths.

Laura McIntyre, chief inspector of the animal welfare charity, said: "We are very sorry to hear about the passing of the two dogs.

"We would urge anyone walking their dogs, or those who have cats who may roam this area, to be vigilant. "If they suspect their animal has ingested something poisonous, they should take them to the vet immediately.

"This is a very sad situation that can hopefully be avoided in the future.

"People can report any concerns about poisoning to our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999 or to Police Scotland on 101."