A warning to dog owners has been issued after a poisonous material washed up on a Merseyside beach.
People took to social media to share the message that palm oil has washed up on one part of the Merseyside coast, with one dog eating it while on a walk. Although palm oil is relatively harmless to humans, it can be deadly for dogs.
Usually, the vegetable oil has a laxative effect on dogs but if a dog consumes enough it can prove fatal. The oil is typically used for food production and make up but turns up on Merseyside beaches occasionally.
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Now, one dog walker has anonymously taken to Facebook to warn people in north Merseyside that they need to keep an eye out for the blocks of palm oil. Posting on Formby Bubble, the dog owner said: "Dear Formby Bubble.
"This was in Hightown but just making people aware - our dog ate palm oil on Hightown beach this morning. Please can dog walkers be aware."
Hightown Village Facebook page also posted on social media: "Please watch your pets along the coast high tides and strong winds have deposited more palm oil along our coast. Can I ask any solo pickers to please remove if found?
"We will be cleaning Hightown and Altcar starting this Saturday. Thanks."
A spokesperson for Green Sefton previously told the ECHO: "Unfortunately, palm oil debris is occasionally found along the Sefton coastline, washed up by the tide. It is harmless to humans, but it can be fatal to dogs if eaten. Dogs can be attracted to the smell of palm oil, so pet owners are advised to lookout for anything out of the ordinary when walking their dog on the coast, especially around tidelines.
“Pet owners should keep their dogs under close control on the beach, especially along the tideline, although the material can appear elsewhere on the beach after a high tide. Anyone who discovers palm oil along the Sefton coast is encouraged to report it to the Council’s Contact Centre on 0345 140 0845 and to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.”
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