Are Dogs Falling In On Scarborough Beaches?

Are Dogs Falling Ill On Scarborough Beaches? The Facts

There have been alarming headlines this week, headlines like "the Yorkshire beaches to avoid walking your dogs on". This after reports of dogs getting sickness bugs after visiting beaches from Redcar to Bridlington.

But East Riding Of Yorkshire Council have released a statement saying there is currently no evidence of the bug being directly related to walks on the beach.

Here's what they say:

"We are aware of reports on social media and in the local press of dogs becoming unwell following visiting areas of local beaches in the northern part of our coastline. We have been liaising with external partners during the course of yesterday to try and establish a cause, whilst also liaising with local colleagues, and also nationally.

"From reports from local veterinary surgeries, the illness they are seeing within dogs and the tests carried out have not provided any direct links with the use of beaches. We would advise that, if your pet becomes unwell and has continuing sickness and diarrhoea, you should make an appointment to have your pet seen. It appears that many dogs are becoming unwell even though they have not visited beaches, so it may be that this is a general illness amongst dogs.

"Our Coastal Services team regularly inspect the beaches for signs of any irregular occurrences and at present there is nothing unusual; however, this will continue to be monitored and action will be taken, if and when necessary. We encourage people to be aware and mindful, and if they are on the beach, or anywhere, not to let their dogs off the lead, so that owners can see what the dogs are picking up and potentially eating.

"The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is aware of the incidents and is in contact with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Kirsty Salisbury, General Manager (Coastal)

Scarborough Borough Council have also released a statement:

Hello, we've been made aware of reports of dogs presenting with a sickness and diarrhoea type illness in our borough and also in neighbouring areas to the north and south.

The cause of the illness, and the locations it appears to be linked to, are unclear.

While dogs walked on beaches have been affected, we've also read reports from dog owners that the same symptoms are affecting dogs only walked at inland locations away from beaches.

We're in discussions with our partner organisations to gather intelligence and carry out investigations into possible causes.

If any vets have information about possible links to a canine virus that could help these investigations, we kindly ask them to contact our dog warden service via www.scarborough.gov.uk/dog-warden-service

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