EPA warns pet owners to keep dogs out of Port Phillip Bay when water quality is reported as poor
The EPA is warning pet owners to stay away from Port Phillip Bay during poor water conditions, after several dogs got serious infections after swimming. But what’s being done to fix the problem?
Inner South
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The EPA is warning pet owners to stay away from Port Phillip Bay during poor water conditions after several dogs got serious infections after going to the beach.
Fiona Austin and her parents Ted and Sue Whittle often take their dogs to off-leash beaches at Dalgetty Rd in Beaumaris and Quiet Corner in Black Rock.
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But all three of their dogs have suffered ear, skin and urinary tract infections as a result of swimming this summer.
Mr Whittle, 92, found blood in his dog Mia’s urine last week caused by a UTI and only two weeks before, Mia had a painful ear infection — both believed to be caused by daily bay swimming.
Ms Austin’s golden retriever, 14, is only just recovering from a “nasty and distressing” bacterial skin infection too, which their vet said was also caused by poor water quality and advised them to stay away.
She’s now calling for the bay to be cleaned up as a matter of priority, as well as fixing storm water drainage problems.
“Dad was almost in tears … as he realised he will probably not ever be able to take (Mia) to the beach again,” Ms Austin said.
“We live in one of the most expensive cities in the world, we pay taxes and rates, surely we can expect to be able to have a swim in the bay in summer? But no, our water is too polluted and full of bacteria.
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“We’re not a third world country (but) over summer, I was getting warnings from the EPA about poor water quality every three or four days.”
While not commenting on a long-term solution, the EPA has warned pet owners to avoid letting their dog swim if the water quality is reported as poor.
“Factors affecting water quality include storm water being washed down from streets and into the bay and algal blooms, which pose potential health risks,” spokesman John Rees said.
“Young children are more susceptible to waterborne diseases which can include skin rashes and gastro … and pets (can) react to waterborne disease as well.”
The Leader also approached several Bayside vets for comment, with one doctor also advising people to be careful with their pets in the bay.