Expats Warned To Keep Dogs Away From Poisoned Spanish Lake

After the sudden death of a one-year old pup after drinking water from famous Lake Istan, expats and Spanish locals are being warned not to walk their dogs anywhere near the waters.

American expat Livia Taravella and her husband were walking their pet dog Skye along the waters’ edge and allowing him to drink from the shallows. Almost immediately, the pup began having seizures and died in the couple’s car on the way to the nearest vet. On the same day, another dog died in similar circumstances, with two more dying earlier the same week. The Spanish Guardia Civil’s SEPRONA department are now taking samples from the waters and autopsies are being performed on the dead pets.

Skye’s heartbroken owners told local media all was fine until they reached the edge of the lake, where the pup played in the water for a few minutes, drinking and

chewing something she’d found. Almost immediately, she lost her balance, her eyes drooped, and 15 minutes later she died. Neighbours in Istan believe naturally occurring poisonous algae were present in the stagnant water, with one living close to the lake telling reporters she’s 100 per cent certain the water was contaminated with cyanobacteria. She added the lake is so stagnant people have been advised not to swim in it, adding Skye's death is not down to a local person putting down poison to deliberately kill dogs. Even so, Livia is convinced her beloved Skye was deliberately poisoned.

Most expats in the area have dogs or cats, and the lakeside is popular with dog walkers. Livia's vet told her the poison responsible for her dog’s death was’ very strong and not easy to obtain’, but also added the water in the lake could prove fatal for small children. Expats and locals living close to the lake are shocked and have no idea what to do about the threat, as the poison hasn’t yet been officially identified.