Several dogs died and others got sick after walks on Cornish beaches, including Fistral and Little Fistral. Authorities are investigating the cause.
These beaches are dog-friendly all year. Similar reports come from other Newquay beaches too. Since January, owners lost dogs despite vet care. Newquay Town Council knows about the situation. They want people to contact Cornwall Council. Cornwall Council manages the land.
The cause of the illness remains unclear now. Poisoning is one possibility that people discuss. They think the illness is from palm oil or hemlock root. Both were reported along the north coast this winter. Palm oil can harm dogs if they eat much of it. Hemlock root is more toxic to them if consumed.
Take any dog that touches the root to a vet quickly. Owners haven’t seen their dogs eat anything suspicious though. The cause may be something else altogether. Lost dog owners report lethargy and vomiting. These symptoms can appear suddenly.
Cornwall Council received reports of hemlock roots washing up. They are in the Fistral and Little Fistral area. Hemlock is common to Cornwall in general. Winter weather can bring it from rivers to beaches. They put up signs to warn dog owners. The signs advise keeping dogs on a lead.
