Christchurch dog walking park closed after suspicious death of pet

Christchurch City Council has closed the Groynes dog walking park. Photo / Jason Oxenham

A popular dog walking park has been closed in Christchurch after a labrador died from suspected poisoning.

The Groynes Reserve Dog Park will be temporarily closed for the rest of the weekend and until further notice, the Christchurch City Council said in a social media post today.

"Dogs have become unwell and this is currently being investigated. The park is being closed for extra precaution," the council said.

The Groynes Dog Park Facebook page has been flooded with messages of sympathy for Aimee Hinii, whose beloved dog Chief died just hours after a walk at the dog park.

#UPDATE: 🐕 The Groynes Reserve Dog Park will be temporarily CLOSED for the remainder of the weekend until further...

Posted by Christchurch City Council on Friday, May 20, 2022

One friend said Hinii suddenly and unexpectedly lost her much adored two-and-a-half-year-old labrador called Chief.

"We just want to let anyone who walks their dog at the Groynes Dog Park that Chief ingested poison (unsure exactly what it was) there on Sunday and passed away after becoming ill on Monday.

"Aimee and Chief walked the track at the park almost every day and it was Chief's favourite spot. We just want to warn other owners to take care," the friend said.

A photo of Chief shared on the Groynes Dog Park Facebook page. Photo / Supplied

The Groynes is one of the country's most picturesque dog parks, with views across the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps.

Hidden just off the highway northeast of the airport, the fenced park features an expansive cross-country area, a creek for swimming in, and multiple agility courses.