A devastated couple whose beloved pet became the second dog to die at a popular beauty spot in recent months are calling for the local council to take action.
James Brady and Patricia Gora told of the “horrendous” moment they found one of their two dogs “foaming at the mouth” within minutes of swallowing water from a lake on an early-morning walk.
Two-year-old Jack Russell miniature, Maple, died just half an hour after frolicking in the water at Anton Lakes in Andover, Hampshire, where another puppy was taken ill and died in April.
Patricia, 29, and James, 34, rushed Maple to the nearest vet, who was unable to save her.
The couple, who are expecting their first child later this year, say the vet told them Maple had likely ingested a toxin from the lake.
The heartbroken owners, from Tidworth in Wiltshire, said they were oblivious to an investigation by Test Valley Borough Council into blue-green algae in the lake following the previous dog death this year.
They are now demanding the council put up signage warning dog walkers of the potential dangers.
James explained that he and his partner had decided to walk their dogs Maple and Misty, an eight-month-old Bichon Frise, at the idyllic-looking lakes on Saturday morning, before temperatures rose in the afternoon.
"She must have ingested something,” James said. “At first she was fine, then as we continued the walk I was ahead with Misty and I heard Patricia shouting that something was wrong with Maple."
Patricia described her dog's horrific convulsions, saying: "She looked at me and her eyes were rolling and her whole body started shaking.
"She was trying to find her balance but she couldn't. I thought maybe it was the cold from the water so I tried to massage her."
James added: "She was getting worse and worse. Her mouth was foaming and her heartbeat was getting so faint.
"I could almost see the life go from her eyes. It was horrendous.”
The couple attempted to revive Maple before driving to the in-store vets at their nearest Pets At Home.
Despite giving the dog adrenaline and trying to assist her breathing, the vet was unable to save Maple.
The death comes just months after accountant Jordan Shearman, 24, and nursery worker Hannah Washington, 23, lost their one-year-old cocker spaniel puppy, Roo, in shockingly similar circumstances.
The couple said their “precious” puppy suffered fits similar to Maple in what Jordan described as the “worst experience of my life”.
Roo's death prompted an investigation into the presence of a blue-green algae at the beauty spot.
Tests took place which showed the water was below the level of potential risk, but James said he and his partner were completely unaware of the investigation and had not seen a sign which had been put up at a different entrance.
"There is obviously something going on with the lake,” he added. “They might think everyone knows, but that doesn't account for people like us, travelling into Andover.
"It's a beautiful lake and a lovely place, but you currently don't know the risks until it's too late. Maybe this time, they will take it seriously.”
Thames Valley Borough Council has since taken more water samples from the lake, but warned there was always a risk of natural bodies of water in the UK containing the algae.
A spokesperson for the council said: "We have installed temporary notices [since the weekend] advising people not to swim in the lake or allow their dogs to drink or play in the water on a precautionary basis.
"We understand people will be concerned as another dog passed away several months ago after a visit to the lakes.
"Blue-green algae occurs naturally and there are commonly low levels present in ponds, streams, lakes and estuaries throughout the UK.
"It therefore remains important to note that there will always be some level of risk with any pet or person swimming in a natural body of water, particularly in hot and sunny weather.”
