Dogs banned from French city water spaces after pet dies
The municipality of Lille issued the order after a dog was found to have died from blue-green algae poisoning
Dog owners are warned against letting their dogs enter or drink from water spaces if blue-green algae is present (stock image for illustration only)
Fadeeva Irina/Shutterstock
The French city of Lille has banned dogs from entering bodies of water in the Citadelle area after a pet dog died from ingesting blue-green algae on the surface.
The decree of August 23, from the Métropole Européenne de Lille, has banned dogs from entering bodies of water in the Citadelle de Lille “under further order”.
It comes after a dog was found dead in one of the site’s water areas, and vet analysis found that the death was linked to “the presence of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)”. Further analysis is underway, reports Lille Actu.
The two water areas affected by the ban are the:
The municipality also reminded the public that swimming in the Deûle river, and all the lakes in that area is also prohibited.
Cyanobacteria are micro-organisms naturally present in aquatic environments (fresh and saltwater). They often appear as thick green or blue-green algae on the surface of water, and often spread more quickly in hot weather.
They can then create cyanotoxins, which can be dangerous to humans and animals, including causing skin, digestive and nervous system disorders when ingested.
They can be fatal to dogs, and - in rarer cases - to humans.
Read also: Sudden death of dogs sparks toxic water fears in southern France
Although their dog may love going in water when out on walks, owners are warned not to let their pets enter or drink water that has the telltale green or green-blue covering on some or all of the water’s surface. It is recommended also that dogs are not allowed to drink from puddles or stagnant water.
Read also: Helicopter rescues hiker in Alps after 'patou' dogs attack
