New beach poisoning fear as fifth dog dies

Photo / Greg Bowker

A fifth dog has died after walking on a Hauraki Gulf beach - this time at Stanmore Bay on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.

Authorities have taken samples from the dog to find out if it is a victim of the toxin found in puffer fish that killed at least one dog on Narrow Neck Beach on the North Shore.

The same poison, tetrodotoxin, was found in sea slugs that washed up nearby, and other dogs that died are also being tested for it.

The Auckland Regional Council is co-ordinating efforts by eight agencies to identify what is killing dogs, and is testing dead dolphins and pilchards washed up on Auckland beaches.

It is not known if the marine deaths are linked to the dog deaths.

ARC spokesman Andrew Bristol said results of tests on the latest dog to die would not be known until at least next week.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service has advised people not to take children or dogs to Hauraki Gulf beaches, and not to swim off beaches, touch any birds or marine life or collect shellfish until more is known.

Mr Bristol said the beach warnings were under constant discussion and an update was likely today.

North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams said this week that, despite the warnings, he would be taking his 15-year-old golden retriever, Rimu, on his usual walk along Campbells Bay beach.

Last night, he said he still believed adult dogs on a tight leash should not have any problems, as tests had revealed the poison was in creatures washing up on the beach and not in the seawater.

"People are starting to have to return to everyday life," Mayor Williams said.

But his advice ran counter to that of the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, and other councils are also warning people to take care.

Auckland City councillor Aaron Bhatnagar said people should be patient and let scientists complete their tests. The city had "many great reserves and parks" to which people could take children or dogs.

* For off-the-leash dog exercise areas in Auckland City, visit
www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/services/dogs/exercise.asp