NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The city is taking measures to protect dogs at a Brooklyn park after residents said they suspect rats are spreading a disease there that killed several dogs.
City Councilmember Lincoln Restler sounded the alarm this week after his office received reports that multiple dogs had died after visiting the McCarren Park Dog Run in Williamsburg.
The dogs had symptoms associated with leptospirosis, a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals like rats. Restler said dogs can catch leptospirosis if they drink from puddles rats urinated in.
Restler told the Daily News on Thursday that he was “incredibly concerned” and was working with city agencies to make sure the “rat infestation and underlying conditions in the area” were addressed immediately following the deaths of at least four dogs.
It appears progress had been made by Friday, as Restler tweeted that the city Parks Department was taking several steps to protect dogs at the park, including improving dog run drainage, installing rodent-resistant garbage cans, and bringing in new mulch and topsoil.
Asked for comment Friday, the Parks Department said, “We like our four-legged friends happy and healthy, and are sad to learn that some pups may have recently been impacted by leptospirosis. We are actively engaged with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and exploring options to mitigate any related risks.”
The city Health Department told 1010 WINS that it “has not confirmed recent reports of canine leptospirosis related to McCarren Park” but that it was “working with NYC Parks to inspect for rat activity in the park.”
“Dog owners who are concerned should consult their veterinarian about vaccination and seek vet care early if their dog is ill,” the statement continued. “We urge veterinarians who receive positive results of leptospirosis to report it to the Health Department as required by the NYC Health Code.”
Residents said Friday that rats are an ongoing problem in the area, including at the dog park, with one woman describing conditions “like a plague” with “rats everywhere.”
A dog owner said she used to take her pup to the park, but the rats drove her away.
“They’re small and they’re filthy. It’s not good, it’s not good at all,” she said. “I mean, I can’t go over there. I don’t go anymore. I used to go when she was a puppy, it was already disgusting.”
A local dog trainer told the Greenpointers blog that a French bulldog named Oreo quickly declined after visiting the dog park and had to be euthanized.
“When Oreo contracted leptospirosis, he was there at the park around noon. By 4 p.m., he changed,” the trainer said. “It was a matter of four hours [before] he was vomiting, pale, and had diarrhea. He couldn’t hold any food or water.”
In a September health advisory, the city Health Department warned leptospirosis cases are increasing in the city. There were 14 cases identified in 2021—more than any prior year.
Thirteen of the 14 patients were hospitalized with acute renal and hepatic failure. One person died as a result of the infection, while the other 13 were treated and discharged.
While leptospirosis can cause life-threatening illness, it is treatable in both humans and dogs.
Restler urged dog owners to talk with their veterinarians about the leptospirosis vaccine for their dog. More information for dog owners can be found here at NYC.gov.
Related
Related
