Urgent warning issued to dog walkers as number of pets ‘drop dead’

Dog lovers are being told to stay vigilant

So far, at least four dogs have died with dozens more taken ill after going for walks on popular beaches in the likes of Cornwall and Carmarthenshire, southwest Wales.

Owners are suggesting their fur-babies might have digested the deadly Hemlock Roots, which causes the pooches to suffer diarrhoea and sickness.

The plant, nicknamed dead man's fingers is widely recorded as the most toxic plant to both humans and animals growing in the northern hemisphere.

Carmarthenshire County Council and Cornwall Council have advised dog walkers to stay away from their beaches for the time being after sightings were made of the 'poison parsnips'.

The authorities told pet owners to 'stay vigilant' and recommended they seek assistance from a vet as soon as possible if their pooch ingests or touches the plant.

Pet owner Djamila Bousksou said his three-year-old English Bull Terrier, named Duke, had to be admitted to the ICU after he suddenly developed 'severe vomiting, a collapsed oesophagus and bloody diarrhoea'.

The coffee shop owner said the pain of losing Duke was 'unbearable and immeasurable', calling the canine as a 'strong, happy and loyal well-behaved boy'.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: "We have received reports that Hemlock roots, which can be poisonous to animals, have washed up in the Fistral and Little Fistral area.

"Hemlock is native to Cornwall. During the winter it can be washed downstream from riverbanks and ends up on our beaches. As a precaution, we are putting up signs urging dog owners to be vigilant and keep their pets on a lead."

Newquay Town Council added: "We have received a number of calls and messages about dogs becoming very unwell after visiting the Fistral/Little Fistral area.

"Cornwall Council are aware of this. For now, we'd advise avoiding that area with your dogs. If you have any further questions, please contact Cornwall Council directly."

Meanwhile, Carmarthenshire Council issued the same warning to the public, but stressed the plant was 'not likely to be found on dynamic, exposed areas such as beaches, unless its roots are washed up on shore'.