Dogs' Deaths Spark Urgent Action

The death of two dogs that died suddenly after exercising at Hamilton's Minogue Park in recent days has prompted urgent action by Hamilton City Council and a warning to dog owners to keep their pets under close supervision in the area.

Hamilton City Council's acting parks and open spaces manager Gina Hailwood says two dog owners contacted staff when their animals died suddenly after the pets had exercised in the park.

Ms Hailwood says a third animal exercised in the park fell ill, but recovered after veterinary treatment.

A council spokesperson said at this stage they weren't sure if the issue posed a threat to humans.

Minogue Park encompasses an off-lead dog exercise area, a BMX track, netball courts, a children's playground and a miniature train ride area.

The cause of the animals' death is undetermined, but Ms Hailwood says Council staff are working with other agencies to establish possible causes.

An autopsy will be carried out on one of the dogs this afternoon.

"One thing we are confident of is that it's not due to any poisons or pest control baits we use," Ms Hailwood says. "We haven't got any pest control operations underway in this park at present, and when we do, we make sure there are signs up warning park users.

"We're advising dog owners to stay close to their animals in the park until we have some more information on this risk, and how it can be addressed."

Ms Hailwood says NIWA has been asked to undertake tests of the water in Minogue Park's Lake Rotokaeo to establish if there are any potentially toxic algae, bio-matter of other chemicals or compounds present.

Nearby residents or park users who have seen any suspicious behaviour, people or substances in the park are urged to contact the Council's Parks and Open Spaces Unit immediately.

"We'd appreciate any help the public can offer here - we're very concerned about this and we want to find out exactly what is happening as soon as we can," Ms Hailwood says.

Minogue Park is a popular off-lead dog exercise area and the Council is keen to address the issue and allay community concerns about the welfare of dogs in the park.

Minogue Park is a popular off-lead dog exercise area and the Council is keen to address the issue and allay community concerns about the welfare of dogs in the park.

- Hamilton News