Dog may have died after eating beach pollution

The council said "sewage-related fat masses" were found on the beach

A dog is believed to have died after possibly eating what is thought to be vegetable oil pollution following a walk on a beach, a council has said.

Havant Borough Council said it was alerted to the substance on Hayling Island by the Environment Agency last Tuesday.

The council said an inspection the following day of the foreshore at Ferry Point found what appeared to be "sewage-related fat masses". It said the globules were cleared two days later and regular inspections were being carried out.

The council said: "We are aware of a report from a dog walker that their pet died after potentially ingesting some of the matter on the beach."

The council said it would continue to monitor the beach "so that any further pollution incidents can be appropriately dealt with".

"However, during high tides and after rain especially, we would advise dog walkers to exercise vigilance, especially if their dog is off-lead, as pollutants can be dangerous and potentially fatal to their pets.

"Palm oil in particular poses a significant risk to dogs," it added.

Palm oil often appears as white, yellow or orange waxy lumps and may smell like diesel.

The council urged dog owners to contact a vet immediately if their pet might have eaten it.