Toxic algae sparks new warning to dog owners
FEARS RAISED OVER LACK OF WARNING SIGNS
I haven’t seen any signs around, but I keep my dog on a lead and she doesn’t go near the water Pet owner
DOG owners have been warned about toxic blue-green algae at Watermead Park in Birstall.
The algae can cause long-term health problems or even kill pets if ingested.
One woman warned fellow pet owners in a Facebook post when she discovered the blue-green algae.
The park which extends across the city and county is managed by both councils, with the south of the park in the Birstall area maintained by Leicester City Council.
Concerns were raised about the lack of warning signs about the naturally-occurring algae.
During a visit to the park, only one sign was seen fixed to a tree in the area of Mammoth Lake, but none in the car park.
Carl McNeil, 56, from Thurmaston, walks his three dogs around Watermead a couple of times a week.
He said: “We’re concerned about the algae, but we know about it. Carl said that although he had not seen any signs on his current stroll around the lake, there were often several visible during the summer months, when blue-green algae can increase due to the warm conditions. Another dog walker, who did not want to be named, said he was not aware of algae at the park.
“I haven’t seen any signs around,” he said. “But I keep [my dog] on a lead and she doesn’t go near the water.”
The city council’s visitor guide warns people not to use the lakes.
The guidance on the council website says: “Do not swim in any of our lakes or ponds, nor let your dog(s) swim.”