Venice Waterways Warn About Canine Deaths Triggering Health Concerns
In the heart of Los Angeles, authorities are investigating a potential hazard in the Venice Canals after a series of dog deaths and illnesses were reported. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a canal water advisory following the recent deaths of at least five dogs in the area.
The Venice Canal Association, a local community group, has been collecting data from dog owners and shared it with health officials. Tests on the canal water, algae, and scum have detected the presence of algal toxins, although a definitive link to the canine illnesses is yet to be confirmed by health authorities.
Common symptoms in affected dogs include sudden lethargy, weakness, lack of coordination, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Since the start of June, there have been 26 suspected canine illness cases in the Venice Canals area.
To protect pets and their owners, the Department of Public Health has issued several precautions. Pet owners are advised not to allow their animals to enter, drink from, or have contact with the canal water. They should also prevent pets from touching or sniffing algae, scum, or debris near the water. Keeping dogs on a leash at all times near the canals is also recommended.
Additionally, pet owners should avoid using shared water bowls for pets in the area. The Canal Advisory and Safety Guidance orders include avoiding swimming in the canals, staying away from scum, foam, and cloudy or discolored water, not using canal water for drinking or cooking, and not allowing pets to enter or drink the water.
The guidelines also advise against eating shellfish from these waters and to discard fish guts and clean and thoroughly rinse fillets with clean, fresh water.
The City of Los Angeles is taking proactive measures to protect public and animal health due to the potential risk of toxins from algae. Signs will be posted around the affected canal areas, warning of the potential risk of toxins from algae.
For humans, toxins from algae can cause skin rashes, eye irritation, diarrhea, and vomiting. For additional information on harmful algae, check the provided link.
Julie Sharp, a digital producer at the Los Angeles news, is leading the coverage on this story. Sharp, a South Bay native and a graduate of Cal State University Long Beach, has previously reported for the Beach Reporter, contributed to the Palos Verdes Pulse, and worked as a video journalist for the News before joining the News Los Angeles website team.
As investigations continue, pet owners and walkers are advised to keep their pets on a leash and away from water in the canal, and to avoid using shared bowls with other dogs. The source of the sudden illness in these cases is still under investigation, with potential causes including toxic algae bloom, rodent poison, or other toxins near the water.
The Water Quality Control Board has found "the presence of toxins produced by algae" in the canal water. The Venice Canals Association announced the deaths of dogs on social media, stating that dogs had been vomiting, having seizures, and collapsing.
Authorities are urging vigilance and asking anyone who suspects their pet has been affected to contact their veterinarian immediately. They are also continuing investigations while taking proactive measures to prevent further illnesses and deaths.
The Los Angeles news is covering the investigation of potential hazards in the Venice Canals, with symptoms in affected dogs including lethargy, vomiting, and seizures. The Water Quality Control Board has found toxins produced by algae in the canal water.
For mental health, it's important for pet owners to remain vigilant and seek immediate veterinary help if they suspect their pet has been affected. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued precautions to protect pets and their owners, including keeping pets on a leash, avoiding shared water bowls, and not allowing pets to enter or drink the canal water.
In addition to protecting animal health, authorities are urging humans to be cautious as well, advising them to avoid contact with canal water to prevent skin rashes, eye irritation, diarrhea, and vomiting. The Venice Canal Association continues to collect data from dog owners to aid health officials in their investigation.
