Two dogs died and others sickened after visiting South West beaches. Cornwall beaches are under scrutiny. The cause is currently unknown.
Dogs got sick after walks at Fistral and Little Fistral, both beaches in Newquay. People noticed this in recent weeks. These beaches allow dogs all year. What is causing the sickness remains unclear.
Newquay Town Council knows this happened and suggests you contact Cornwall Council with worries. Owners said their dogs did not eat anything unusual and appeared healthy before getting sick.
Maybe dogs ate palm oil or hemlock root, as these things appeared on the north coast this winter. Palm oil can hurt dogs if they eat a lot, but hemlock root poses a bigger danger. Take dogs to a vet right away if they touch it.
Newquay Town Council sent out a warning about dogs becoming sick after visiting Fistral and Little Fistral. Cornwall Council is also aware of the problem and advises avoiding the area with your dogs for now. Contact Cornwall Council if you need more help.
Cornwall Council mentioned hemlock and that hemlock roots washed up there. Fistral and Little Fistral might have them.
Hemlock grows naturally in Cornwall and winter weather washes it down rivers, so it ends up on beaches. They are putting up warning signs that tell owners to watch their dogs and use a leash.
