LA County dog deaths raise water safety concerns near Venice Canals

Los Angeles Department of Public Health officials are trying to solve a mystery and are warning pet owners following the unexplained deaths of multiple dogs after walks near the Venice Canals. The deaths have prompted an investigation and stirred concerns within the community about the safety of the water in the canals.

The deaths were first revealed by the Venice Canals Association in a social media post that said the dogs had been vomiting, experiencing seizures and collapsing from a mystery illness. 

Warning to dog owners

While the investigation is underway, the organization is urging pet owners to keep dogs on leashes and away from the water, as well as to avoid sharing bowls with other dogs.

“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their beloved companions. These dogs are not just pets — they were family, and treasured members of our community,” the association’s post read on Instagram.

One neighbor, Barbara Malsch, told the Westside Current that her dog, Shadow, passed away on July 21 after symptoms of vomiting and a loss of appetite.

“She had a habit — she would lick her paws when we got home from walks,” Malsch told the Current. “She stopped eating. She was throwing up even though she hadn’t eaten anything. The vet said it was her kidneys — that she had at least six more months. But she died at home with me just days later,” Malsch said.

Another pet owner’s one-year-old golden retriever also died, according to KTLA 5 News in Los Angeles.

7 dogs have died

Residents reported that seven dogs died and nearly a dozen others became ill since early June. The Venice Canals Association called on neighbors to share information in a Google Doc to help get to the root cause of these pet deaths and illnesses.

Some residents believe that the deaths and illnesses may have to do with rodent poison, toxic algae or a virus, but they have yet to find a clear cause.

Neighborhood concerns

The Current reports that, as of Tuesday morning, the previously posted warning signs near one home had been removed. The publication reported that a resident said the property owner sent someone to remove a powdery white substance, which is suspected to be ant repellent. A neighbor told the publication that she saw a man sweeping up the substance and throwing it away in a trash can near the garage.

One neighbor told the news outlet that a dead duck had been seen in a small boat docked in the canals and others have complained of a terrible smell coming from the water.

“The stench along the eastern side of the canals is horrific. You have to hold your breath to avoid getting sick from the smell,” Elaine Scott told the Current. “It has never smelled this bad.”

Environmental officials with Los Angeles County Watershed reportedly went to the area on Tuesday and took samples of the water. 

The Venice Canals Association has handed out flyers describing symptoms and safety tips. It’s urging people to report any possible environmental hazard, including the powdery substance found at one home, where pictures show the powder spread along the sidewalks. A sample of the powder has since been taken in for testing and a post-mortem examination of some animals’ bodies was scheduled for Tuesday. 

Vigilance advised

Venice Canals Association President Mark Galanty, meanwhile, is stressing patience and urging neighbors to be alert to any potential safety hazards to pets.

“We are here to support each other, and right now, we are sending our sincerest condolences to those community members grieving their beloved dogs,” Galanty said.

Pet owners are encouraged to report any concerns to the VCA and seek emergency veterinary care if their dogs show any signs of illness described in the flyers.