Latest news with #dogdeaths
The Independent
an hour ago
- Health
- The Independent
Five dogs have died and more than 20 fell sick in California. Researchers suspect a toxic algae is to blame
Five dogs have died and more than 20 have fallen sick in California as researchers suspect a toxic algae is to blame. Los Angeles County health officials are warning residents to keep their furry best friends away from the Venice Canals as they work to figure out what's behind the mysterious illnesses of multiple neighborhood dogs. The county's Department of Public Health said in an alert last Friday that there have been 26 local dogs that have suddenly fallen severely ill, including five that have died as a result. The most recent case as of last Friday was on July 30. The most common symptoms among these sick dogs were 'severe lethargy and weakness, lack of coordination, vomiting, tremors, and seizures,' according to the alert. California water officials tested the canal water, algae and scum, finding the presence of algal toxins. But a definitive link between the toxins and the dog illnesses has yet to be confirmed. As experts investigate these strange illnesses, they are considering other possible sources, including 'exposure to any pesticides, harmful organisms, or environmental hazards connected to the Venice Canals area,' per the alert. This isn't the first time experts have suspected toxic algae to be the cause of a dog death in California. In August 2021, a Northern California couple, their one-year-old daughter and their dog were all found dead on a hiking trail near Hite's Cove in the Sierra National Forest. California water officials said at the time they were testing water in the area for any toxic algae blooms. In the meantime, officials warn residents to keep their pets from swimming in the canals and away from 'scum, foam, and cloudy or discolored water,' the alert said. Pet owners are also advised to keep their dogs from drinking the canal water and sharing water bowls with other dogs. 'Do not allow pets to ingest, touch, or sniff algae, scum, or any debris near the canal water,' the alert also advised.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Dogs are mysteriously dying in this Southern California beach town. What is behind it?
So far, seven dogs have died and 11 have fallen ill after walks along the Venice canals. A wave of mysterious dog deaths in Venice, Calif., is causing concern for locals in the popular Los Angeles County beach town. Venice is known as a dog-friendly area, with many residents regularly seen walking their pets along the neighborhood's signature canals. However, since July, at least seven dogs have died, and 11 more have fallen ill, following walks near the canals, according to a report from the Los Angeles Times. The dogs were reportedly healthy prior to these walks, with one as young as 6 months old. However, after walking near the canals, the dogs reportedly experienced a variety of sudden and severe symptoms such as lethargy, nausea, seizures and weakness, as well as neurological symptoms and cardiac arrest, according to a report from ABC News. Residents have not received any concrete answers about what happened to these dogs. One pet owner, Eric Torres, took his 4-year-old dog, Chloe, to the vet after she collapsed and experienced a seizure following their 4-mile walk around the canals. Chloe died hours after receiving medical attention, and blood and urine test results were inconclusive for poisonings, the Los Angeles Times said. It was only after Torres saw news reports about other dogs dying following canal visits that he began to suspect there may be a common cause. Now members of the community are sounding warning bells, posting signs and social media posts instructing pet owners to avoid the canals, and also urging them not to let dogs share water bowls or sniff the ground on a walk. The Venice Canals Association posted on Instagram: 'Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their beloved companions. These dogs were not just pets — they were family, and treasured members of our community.' Potential theories circulating about the dog deaths As of now, no definitive cause has been identified for the deaths of these pets. The L.A. Department of Sanitation is now testing the canal water, and the county health department is collecting vet reports to investigate what is causing the local dogs to fall ill. As they wait for answers, some Venice residents are pointing to something in the canal water as a possible cause. One local resident, Elaine Scott, told KTLA that there is a strong smell coming from the canals, noting that the stench on the eastern side of the canals is 'horrific.' 'You have to hold your breath to avoid getting sick from the smell,' Scott shared. 'It has never smelled this bad.' According to KTLA, a dead duck was also spotted in the Venice canals, leading to further concerns that the environment in the canals may be leading to the deaths of animals. Karen Halligan, a senior veterinarian at Marina Veterinary Center, suggested to the Los Angeles Times that the deaths could potentially be due to 'some type of cyanobacteria poisoning from the algae from the environment.' According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this blue-green algae produces toxins, which can cause animals to 'get very sick or die within hours' after swallowing them. This algae is also more likely to thrive during warm, sunny days, such as in the summer months. Other residents, however, believe the cause of the deaths may not have to do with the canals at all, with one neighbor, per the Los Angeles Times, posting signs around their home about the presence of 'snail poison' in the area that could be harming the dogs. Signs around the canals also warn of potential poisonings related to snail bait, weed killer and rat poison, according to Los Angeles Magazine. Has anything like this happened before? While this is the first time a number of dogs have reportedly died after spending time near the Venice canals, there have been other reports of pet deaths near bodies of water. In 2019, six dogs died after spending time in Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. Toxic blue-green algae was the cause of these deaths, and the city is now implementing a program to remove the algae from the lake. That same year, three dogs died hours after swimming in a North Carolina pond — another case of blue-green algae poisoning. In order to keep your pets safe, avoid allowing them near still, scummy or foamy water, which may be contaminated with algae. Should your dog enter any natural water, rinse off the animal immediately and watch for signs like vomiting or lethargy. If symptoms appear, seek emergency vet care right away. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Dogs are mysteriously dying in this Southern California beach town. What is behind it?
So far, seven dogs have died and 11 have fallen ill after walks along the Venice canals. A wave of mysterious dog deaths in Venice, Calif., is causing concern for locals in the popular Los Angeles County beach town. Venice is known as a dog-friendly area, with many residents regularly seen walking their pets along the neighborhood's signature canals. However, since July, at least seven dogs have died, and 11 more have fallen ill, following walks near the canals, according to a report from the Los Angeles Times. The dogs were reportedly healthy prior to these walks, with one as young as 6 months old. However, after walking near the canals, the dogs reportedly experienced a variety of sudden and severe symptoms such as lethargy, nausea, seizures and weakness, as well as neurological symptoms and cardiac arrest, according to a report from ABC News. Residents have not received any concrete answers about what happened to these dogs. One pet owner, Eric Torres, took his 4-year-old dog, Chloe, to the vet after she collapsed and experienced a seizure following their 4-mile walk around the canals. Chloe died hours after receiving medical attention, and blood and urine test results were inconclusive for poisonings, the Los Angeles Times said. It was only after Torres saw news reports about other dogs dying following canal visits that he began to suspect there may be a common cause. Now members of the community are sounding warning bells, posting signs and social media posts instructing pet owners to avoid the canals, and also urging them not to let dogs share water bowls or sniff the ground on a walk. The Venice Canals Association posted on Instagram: 'Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their beloved companions. These dogs were not just pets — they were family, and treasured members of our community.' Potential theories circulating about the dog deaths As of now, no definitive cause has been identified for the deaths of these pets. The L.A. Department of Sanitation is now testing the canal water, and the county health department is collecting vet reports to investigate what is causing the local dogs to fall ill. As they wait for answers, some Venice residents are pointing to something in the canal water as a possible cause. One local resident, Elaine Scott, told KTLA that there is a strong smell coming from the canals, noting that the stench on the eastern side of the canals is 'horrific.' 'You have to hold your breath to avoid getting sick from the smell,' Scott shared. 'It has never smelled this bad.' According to KTLA, a dead duck was also spotted in the Venice canals, leading to further concerns that the environment in the canals may be leading to the deaths of animals. Karen Halligan, a senior veterinarian at Marina Veterinary Center, suggested to the Los Angeles Times that the deaths could potentially be due to 'some type of cyanobacteria poisoning from the algae from the environment.' According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this blue-green algae produces toxins, which can cause animals to 'get very sick or die within hours' after swallowing them. This algae is also more likely to thrive during warm, sunny days, such as in the summer months. Other residents, however, believe the cause of the deaths may not have to do with the canals at all, with one neighbor, per the Los Angeles Times, posting signs around their home about the presence of 'snail poison' in the area that could be harming the dogs. Signs around the canals also warn of potential poisonings related to snail bait, weed killer and rat poison, according to Los Angeles Magazine. Has anything like this happened before? While this is the first time a number of dogs have reportedly died after spending time near the Venice canals, there have been other reports of pet deaths near bodies of water. In 2019, six dogs died after spending time in Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. Toxic blue-green algae was the cause of these deaths, and the city is now implementing a program to remove the algae from the lake. That same year, three dogs died hours after swimming in a North Carolina pond — another case of blue-green algae poisoning. In order to keep your pets safe, avoid allowing them near still, scummy or foamy water, which may be contaminated with algae. Should your dog enter any natural water, rinse off the animal immediately and watch for signs like vomiting or lethargy. If symptoms appear, seek emergency vet care right away. Solve the daily Crossword
RNZ News
03-08-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Greyhound season ends with 17 deaths, more than 800 dogs injured
Photo: 123rf The greyhound racing industry has ended its 2024/25 season with yet another dog killed, bringing the season's death toll to 17. Animal welfare group Save Animals From Exploitation (SAFE) said it made it the deadliest year for greyhounds since 2021. The final fatality was Opawa Justin, a two-year-old greyhound who won his race at Addington Raceway in Christchurch on 31 July before suffering a catastrophic injury. He fell at the lure and fractured his left elbow. Veterinarians determined the injury was too severe to treat and he was euthanised. SAFE said the circumstances surrounding his death expose the brutal nature of racing, where even a winning dog is not safe. "This young dog gave everything on the track, and it cost him his life. No matter how fast they run or how many races they win, greyhounds are always one fall away from tragedy," campaign manager Emma Brodie said. The total number of dogs killed has increased compared to last season, rising from 13 to 17. Over the course of the season, more than 800 dogs suffered race-related injuries, including 114 broken bones. Racing Minister Winston Peters announced a phase-out of the industry in December 2024, with a full ban to come into effect by July 2026. The next season will be greyhound racing's last. SAFE urged Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) to take immediate steps to slow the pace of racing and pour every resource into rehoming efforts. "This is GRNZ's last opportunity to show they care about the dogs they've profited from. They can either wind down with dignity or be remembered for prolonging suffering until the very end," Brodie said. In a statement, GRNZ said it was an energetic sport which meant that injuries could happen. "It's always sad when one of our dogs dies on the track. "There were 14 greyhound deaths from 34,308 race starts last season. Nine of these were due to injury and five due to a medical event. "This is a rate of 0.41 deaths per 1000 starters which is once again lower than that for thoroughbred racing of 0.59 per 1000 starters. We would love to have that number be zero. "It is disingenuous for SAFE to say our people don't care for their dogs. They're treated much better than many privately owned dogs. They have annual vet and dental checkups, kennel audits, top-quality food, and daily exercise. "In contrast, councils across the country euthanise at least 6000 unloved dogs a year. The SPCA doesn't publish how many dogs it euthanises." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
ABC News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Greyhound racing suspended at Queensland's new $85 million track due to unsafe conditions
Races at Queensland's new greyhound track The Q have been suspended after the track was deemed "unsuitable for racing". It comes as the new $85 million facility grapples with a string of dog deaths since trials began at the track in March. The Queensland Greyhound Racing Club (QGRC) said a watering issue was identified prior to trials being conducted ahead of scheduled races for Saturday's Brisbane Cup. In a statement, it said teams worked to resolve the issue to allow the Brisbane Cup to go ahead, but the event was later cancelled midway. Racing Queensland released a statement saying the Q2 track was unsafe for racing and events would be rescheduled. Racing Queensland said it would complete a refurbishment of the track and a new field would be drawn for the postponed event. "A final decision on whether the rescheduled meeting will proceed will be made after the refurbishments are completed including an independent assessment of the track." The postponed Brisbane Cup will take place on Saturday. The venue, which is a collaboration between state government-owned Racing Queensland and local clubs, has a one-turn, two-turn and straight racing tracks. The Queensland government put $44.15 million from the racing infrastructure fund towards the $85 million facility. The Brisbane and Ipswich greyhound clubs have both relocated to the venue. Last month, the ABC revealed at least seven dogs had died due to injuries sustained at the racing track before its official opening. Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds president Amy McMahon, the former Greens member for South Brisbane, said it was worrying that races went ahead on Saturday, despite concerns over the state of the track. "We know that trainers were raising the alarm about The Q prior to the weekend — we had written to the minister that there are issues at The Q that needed to be attended to," she told ABC Radio Brisbane. "They already knew on Friday that the track was unsafe … but they went ahead with at least two races on Saturday." Premier David Crisafulli said he had spoken with the Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander, adding that greyhound racing is vital to "who we are as Queenslanders". "The minister is asking the right questions," he said.
