California is a state that loves its dog, so it's especially distressing to learn that Nuevo Dog Park in Santa Clara, California, has been closed indefinitely after multiple dogs fell ill, and two died, while residents and visitors in another part of the state report a rash of mystery dog sicknesses and deaths, too.
Santa Clara city officials announced the dog park closure as a precautionary measure to protect other animals while tests are conducted. This comes as neighborhoods near Venice Beach tell KTLA that seven dogs have died there recently from a mystery illness, too.
"The latest victim, a 7-year-old terrier visiting from Arizona, became violently ill after a walk along the canals, the dog’s owner confirmed to the Westside Current. Since the first reported death on July 6, six other dogs have fallen ill and died following exposure to the canal area," KTLA reported about Venice.
KCRW reported that on the canals there are two working -- yet unproven -- theories: Either the dogs ingested a pest control like snail bait or rat poison; or were exposed to a toxin produced by blue-green algae "that may have proliferated in the warm, still water of the canals."
Meanwhile, in Santa Clara, officials say several dogs became sick after visiting the dog park, with one dog passing away during the week of July 28, and another dog dying on June 15.
Both situations, while not linked by any official source, report similar symptoms in affected dogs. “While the cause is still unknown, symptoms have included vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and collapse,” the Venice Canals Association posted on Instagram. “Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their beloved companions. These dogs were not just pets — they were family, and treasured members of our community.”
"I am not a resident there but I live in Los Angeles, I visit the marina / Venice canals almost every weekend sometimes during the week as well, the last time I took my dog was a couple months okay but he randomly started having seizures and hasn’t been himself since JULY 4," one woman wrote on the Venice Canal post. "I came across this and now I’m looking to understand more of what’s going on? How can I get info? I’m so sorry to all the fur babies that are experiencing this and to the families of those that have passed 🫶😔🙏❤️"
While many, especially along the Venice canals, fret about possible pesticides or other contamination, Santa Clara staff emphasized that pesticides are not used in the park and say they are investigating the cause of the illnesses.
"We are taking these concerns seriously," the Bay Area city announced in a press release.