Investigation rules out deliberate poisoning in deaths of three dogs near lake in south-east France
Environmental analysis finds cyanobacteria in lake water
The incidents occurred at Lake Pelleautier in the Hautes-Alpes
2021 Nata-1/Shutterstock.
There is no evidence that the poisoning of three dogs in the Hautes-Alpes department was intentional, the prosecutor’s office in Gap has stated.
The investigation is therefore expected to be closed.
Analysis of water from Lake Pelleautier, a 27-hectare agricultural reservoir, identified the presence of toxin-producing benthic cyanobacteria, including anatoxin-a, a neurotoxin. This is the first time the toxin has been found in the Hautes-Alpes department.
These toxins are known to potentially cause severe neurological symptoms in animals. However, no direct causal link has been established between the cyanobacteria detected in the lake and the dogs’ deaths, as the investigation focused mainly on the hypothesis of deliberate poisoning.
Even though no link has been confirmed, the Canal de Gap which manages the reservoir, and health authorities have implemented precautionary measures including a restriction on swimming and advice to keep animals away from the area.
People are advised also not to touch any suspicious material and to rinse with water and seek medical advice if symptoms occur if there is any contact. The ARS has also recommended ongoing monitoring, warning signage, and visual surveillance for deposits or biofilms.
In the cases of the three dogs, the first died in March, while two others died in April, shortly after walking near the lake. In total, five dogs were affected during this period, with the three fatalities and two surviving after veterinary treatment.
Each time, the symptoms were similar, including excessive salivation, vomiting and convulsions which developed rapidly after exposure.
