Dog owners advised to stay vigilant when visiting Pallarenda Dog Beach as investigation into toxin continues

Investigations are still underway to find the cause of three dog deaths on a popular beach, but the council says your pooch can roam once again. Get the latest.

With an investigation into the death of three dogs at Pallarenda Beach continuing, owners can return to the beach but are asked to stay vigilant.

Townsville City Council is advising people to remain cautious when taking their dogs to Pallarenda Dog Beach.

At the end of June, three dogs tragically died from acute liver and kidney failure, after their owners had observed them playing with old coconuts when they attended the beach.

NQ Care Managing Director Dr Taleta Hompas said it was suspected the dogs had ingested Aflatoxin, a type of fungal toxin which was found in decaying vegetation, mouldy cereal and tree nuts.

Dr Hompas said the staff from NQ Care have collected coconuts from Pallarenda Dog Beach and sent them off for testing.

“NQ Care was interested in further trying to confirm what the causes for death were for these particular patients, so we could help avoid further casualties at the beach,” Dr Hompas said.

“We have collected some coconuts from Pallarenda Dog Beach and sent them off to the laboratories for further testing of Aflatoxin which at this time is suspected to be the cause of death.”

A vet is warning dog owners to be attentive of their pets while visiting Pallarenda Dog Beach after three dogs passed away when they ingested athlatoxin.

“But we just wanted to confirm that so we could be better placed to advise and educate pet owners.”

Dr Hompas confirmed there have been no more dogs brought in the NQ Care clinic with the same symptoms of the three that died.

“Not at all, which is a great credit to the Townsville pet owning community for their maintained vigilance,” she said.

Townsville City Council’s environmental and regulatory services also conducted investigations on the dog beach.

They looked at two types of toxins, a naturally occurring one in mouldy coconuts, and blue green algae and narrowed it down to the toxin in the coconut.

The council had advised people to avoid the beach altogether.

However, now dog owners can return with their pets to the beach, but were warned to be wary.

A council spokesman said that both Pallarenda and Rowes Beach were closed Monday to Friday between 7am and 4:30pm for remediation works.

“Access is available outside of these work periods and on weekends,” the spokesman said.

“Due to naturally occurring toxins in the area, council advises dog owners to exercise caution and avoid fallen coconuts and puddles. If your dog shows signs of illness, contact your vet immediately.”

Originally published as Dog owners advised to stay vigilant when visiting Pallarenda Dog Beach as investigation into toxin continues