Wednesday 01 April 2020
Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services (ACLMS) has been made aware through social media of a waxy substance washed up on Pembroke and have arranged for States Works to clear it where found.
As the substance is unknown at this time, ACLMS would strongly advise dog owners to keep their pets away from any such substances.
In 2013 and 2014 there were reports of degrade oil or fat washing up on the beaches, which was decomposed, rancid (oxidation and/or hydrolysis) lumps of palm oil. If this is ingested by dogs it can cause extreme gastrointestinal upsets resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea with associated dehydration. In the worst cases it can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) which is often associated with abdominal pain and which is manifested by the dog taking up a 'prayer' posture with their front legs on the ground and their rear end in the air. Pancreatitis can also cause serious electrolyte imbalances which can affect heart function.
If any substances are found to be washed up on beaches, members of the public are advised not to remove the substance but to report it to ACLMS by emailing aclms@gov.gg. If you have already picked up the substance, please double wrap it in plastic and dispose of it in your normal refuse.
