Lily died from suspected blue-green algae poisoning after eating some soil on the banks of Lake Ginninderra. Photo: Animals of Canberra.
A dachshund puppy is the second dog in a week to die after visiting Lake Ginninderra.
Puppy Lily had been taken to Nengi Bamir Beach on 11 October, where she ate a “small amount of dirt” near the water’s edge, according to Animals of Canberra.
“That’s all it took. Within 15 to 20 minutes, Lily began to show symptoms of algae poisoning,” a Facebook post read.
“Her family acted fast and attempted to get Lily to a vet. But sadly, Lily’s little heart stopped beating four minutes before arriving at ARH [Animal Referral Hospital Canberra].”
The ACT Government City Services website lists both the Dulwa and Nengi Bamir beaches at Diddams Close West on Lake Ginninderra “open with medium alert warning”, as well as Yerra Beach at MacDermott Place North.
There is signage warning that swimming is not advised in these locations, but they are still open.
Animals of Canberra has argued this is not enough to warn people about the potential dangers.
“This beach was the family’s usual sunset spot behind the kids’ playground. They hadn’t seen the government’s small warning sign – and why would they have thought to check? They weren’t swimming,” it stated.
“We’ve checked out the sign ourselves, and we are appalled. It’s barely visible if you approach from anywhere other than front-on, and its size and placement fail to convey any sense of urgency or danger.
“It also fails to warn that even contact with the sand or dirt can be fatal [for animals].”
Animals of Canberra has called on the government to install signage that is larger, clearer and more strategically placed so that it is “abundantly clear” from all entry points that there’s a danger to dogs.
“The ACT Government must do more to protect Canberra’s beloved companion animals,” the group stated.
“If the ACT Government aren’t going to put up sufficient warnings, we have to keep each other safe by spreading the word.
“Keep your dogs well away from Canberra’s lakes. It is clear that they are not safe.”
A spokesperson said the ACT Government was aware a second dog fatality may be linked to Lake Ginninderra, but hadn’t received any reports regarding the incident.
“[We] become aware … following a social media post,” they said.
“The ACT Government has not verified the cause of death.”
The government has defended the signage placed at designated recreational sites, with the spokesperson stating they are based on ACT Health guidelines.
“These signs warn of risks to human health, but cannot cover every part of the lake,” they said.
“The signage is clearly identified as warning signage and uses symbols as visual cues, as well as clear language to ensure it can be understood by the community.”
Canberrans are encouraged to check water quality reports and look for signs before swimming, boating, fishing or allowing their pets to swim or drink from waterways.
The ACT Government is reviewing the messaging on signs regarding information for pet owners.
The blue-green algae species Tychonema, which is harmful to dogs when ingested, has been detected in Lake Ginninderra.
The Animal Referral Hospital has warned all dog owners to be cautious when walking near Canberra’s lakes, ponds, and stagnant water, especially as the weather warms up, following several recent cases of blue-green algae poisoning.
“Blue-green algae can be DEADLY to dogs — even in tiny amounts,” a recent alert from the hospital warned.
“Dogs can get sick just by drinking, swimming, or licking it off their fur.
“If exposed: Rinse your dog off immediately and call your vet!”
Signs and symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning in dogs include vomiting, seizures, weakness, excessive drooling and difficulty breathing.
ARH surgical vet Dr James Iversen said it was important to seek immediate help, as the effects of blue-green algae poisoning didn’t always present immediately.
“The big thing is you’re not always going to see [a reaction] in the first 24 to 48 hours,” he said.
“That’s the most nasty part about it … there can be a delayed response.”
Dr Iversen said cases of blue-green algae poisoning in Canberra weren’t a common occurrence, so community education about when the toxin is present was important.
“The hard part is getting information out to everyone … it’s worth having that information on the lakeside as well,” he said.
People can experience hayfever-like symptoms, skin rashes, and stomach issues when exposed to the algae.
“Contact with wet sand or soil may cause irritation if algae is present,” the ACT Government spokesperson said.
“People should avoid unknown debris and shower after water-based activities. Children should be closely supervised.”
Information about blue-green algae blooms in the ACT, including potential health effects, can be found online.
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to blue-green algae, contact your local vet, the Animal Referral Hospital on 6280 6344 or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
