A devastated couple are calling for action after their mini Jack Russell became the second dog to die at a beauty spot in just a few months. James Brady and Patricia Gora found Maple “smashing” and “foaming at the mouth” minutes after swallowing water from the Anton Lakes in Andover, Hampshire, during an early morning walk. Army chef Patricia, 29, had to watch ‘the life drain’ from Maple’s eyes, saying: ‘She looked at me and her eyes were rolling and her whole body started shaking. “She was trying to find her balance but she couldn’t. I thought maybe it was the cold from the water and tried to massage her.’ James, 34, added: “It just got worse and worse. Her mouth was foaming and her heartbeat was slowing. “We weren’t prepared but at that stage it wouldn’t have mattered, it was so quick. “It was horrible. Seeing it all happen before our eyes was just a nightmare.’ Maple was rushed to the nearest vet but she could not be saved and the couple were told she had probably ingested a ‘toxin’ from the lake. Maple started gagging and foaming at the mouth after swimming in the lake (Image: Solent News) Accountant Jordan Shearman, 24, and nursery worker Hannah Washington, 23, lost their one-year-old Cocker Spaniel puppy Roo in similar circumstances. They said their “precious” pup suffered seizures similar to Maple. Sadly, James and Patricia were unaware of Test Valley Borough Council’s investigation into ‘blue-green algae’ in the lake following Roo’s death. Tests showed the water was below the level of potential danger, but a warning sign had been posted at an entrance. But the couple, from Tidworth, Wiltshire, didn’t see it and are now calling for more signs to be put up around the lake. “Obviously something’s up with the lake,” James added. “They might think everyone knows, but that’s not the case for people like us who travel to Andover.
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“It’s a beautiful lake and a wonderful place, but at the moment you don’t know the dangers until it’s too late. Maybe this time, they’ll take it seriously.’ The council has since taken more water samples from the lake, but warned there is always a risk that natural bodies of water in the UK may contain the algae. A spokesman said: “We have put temporary notices in place advising people not to swim in the lake or let their dogs drink or play in the water as a precaution. “We understand people will be concerned as another dog died several months ago after a visit to the lakes. “Blue-green algae occur naturally and are usually present at low levels in lakes, streams, ponds and estuaries across the UK. Therefore, it remains important to note that there will always be some level of risk with any pet or person swimming in a natural body of water, particularly in warm and sunny weather. “The loss of any pet is devastating and our thoughts are with Maple’s owners.” Contact our news team by emailing us at [email protected] For more stories like this, check out our news page.
