Thursday 31 October 2013
The Environment Department is warning dog owners to keep pets away from any white substance they may find on local beaches.
A white waxy substance in a hard lump was found on Saints Bay this morning and removed by the Department for analysis. This follows reports in Cornwall where a dog died after eating a white substance on a beach which was later identified as a degraded edible oil or fat, most likely palm oil. Several more dogs were treated by vets after being taken ill after eating it. While not harmful to human health the palm oil could be dangerous to dogs as it has gone rancid.
The lumps of degraded palm oil were washed up on many Cornish beaches a week ago. It was also reported at Ouaisne Bay in Jersey a few days ago. The substance collected from Saints this morning did not have a strong smell but its appearance indicates it is a degraded fat or oil.
The Environment Department has instructed States Works to remove any substance of this description which may be found on beaches. The public is advised not to remove the palm oil but anyone who has picked any up should double wrap it in plastic and dispose of it with their normal refuse.
The Environment Department and States Works will monitor beaches but anyone finding white deposits is asked to report it to the Environment Services Unit, Tel:717200 during office hours or env@gov.gg.
-ENDS-
