Mystery Illness at Venice Canals: Dog Deaths Leave Los Angeles Community on Edge

The Venice Canals in Los Angeles have long been a picturesque escape for residents and visitors alike, a place where the tranquil water and arched footbridges create the perfect backdrop for a morning walk with the family dog. In recent weeks, however, this dog-friendly neighborhood has been gripped by an unsettling mystery.

Over the past six weeks, at least 10 dogs have died after visiting the canals, and 11 more have been hospitalized with similar symptoms. Once-healthy pets have collapsed within minutes or hours of returning from walks, leaving their owners heartbroken and the community desperate for answers.

A Sudden and Alarming Pattern

Officials with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) confirm that the illness has appeared in two distinct clusters. The first occurred in mid-June, when one dog died and five others fell ill after canal walks. Nearly a month later, a second, more severe wave emerged, involving more than 19 cases and multiple deaths.

What makes the outbreak especially concerning is the speed and severity of the symptoms. Dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors, and from different households, have been affected. Many were active, well-fed, and recently examined by veterinarians before the sudden onset of illness.

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Symptoms Observed in Affected Dogs

Veterinarians and owners report a combination of gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Common signs include:

• Vomiting
• Sudden weakness or lethargy
• Seizures
• Cardiac arrest
• Foaming at the mouth
• Collapse

Some cases have been peracute, meaning symptoms appear suddenly and lead to death within minutes. Others have followed an acute course, with symptoms developing over a day or two before the animal’s condition worsens.

One resident, Eric Torres, recounted how his 4-year-old golden retriever, Chloe, collapsed and began seizing hours after their regular four-mile walk. Despite emergency treatment, Chloe’s condition deteriorated, and she died within hours. Tests for drugs and poisons returned inconclusive results.

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Theories on the Cause

Two primary theories are guiding the investigation. The first is pesticide exposure, specifically snail bait or rodent poison, which can be lethal to dogs even in small amounts. The second is cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) toxins, which can develop in warm, stagnant water and have been linked to pet deaths in other states.

Dr. Karen Halligan, a senior veterinarian at Marina Veterinary Center, believes cyanobacteria poisoning is possible, given the environmental conditions in the canals. However, she notes that most algae-related poisonings occur when dogs swim in contaminated water, and no owners have reported their pets entering the canal.

Adding to the environmental concerns, some residents have reported a strong, foul odor in parts of the canals and have seen dead ducks floating in the water.

Investigation Underway

DPH officially began its investigation on July 28 through its Veterinary Public Health Program. Officials are gathering medical histories, analyzing walking routes, and collecting water samples.

The State Water Board, LA Sanitation, and LA City Bureau of Street Services are testing the canal water for contaminants. A biologist from USC has conducted microscopic scans of water samples and is now running molecular tests to detect harmful organisms or toxins.

In addition, a UC Davis laboratory is examining biological samples from sick dogs to determine whether toxins or pathogens are present.

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Community on High Alert

The Venice Canals are home to a strong pet culture, and the outbreak has changed the atmosphere dramatically. Footpaths that once bustled with dog walkers are now eerily quiet.

Residents have posted warning signs urging pet owners to avoid the canals, keep dogs leashed, and prevent them from sniffing the ground or drinking from puddles. Flyers and social media posts also caution against shared water bowls and mention reports of “toxic snail poison” in the area.

Neighborhood WhatsApp groups have been mapping the walking routes of sick dogs to help pinpoint possible exposure sites.

Local businesses and veterinary clinics have joined the effort, encouraging immediate vet visits for any sudden symptoms.

Owners Share Their Stories

The heartbreak is widespread.

Jamie Simms lost her 6-month-old Rottweiler-husky mix, Mackie, in late July. The puppy collapsed and began seizing shortly after a walk. Veterinary tests revealed no abnormalities, and a suspected brain aneurysm was initially considered. When Simms learned of the other deaths, she realized Mackie’s case might be connected.

Taylor Brumm’s golden retriever, Ginger, died just days after her first birthday. Like Simms, Brumm first thought it was an isolated incident until she saw the community warnings.

“I was trying to accept that maybe it was just bad luck,” Brumm said. “But when you see how many dogs it’s happened to, you know something isn’t right.”

What Officials Recommend

Until the cause is confirmed, public health officials are urging owners to:

• Keep dogs on leashes near the canals.
• Prevent pets from drinking from the water or eating anything off the ground.
• Avoid shared water bowls in public spaces.
• Seek immediate veterinary care for sudden symptoms.
• Report cases to the LA County Veterinary Public Health Program.

Officials also stress the importance of necropsies, animal autopsies, to determine the cause of death. Without them, it may be difficult to confirm whether toxins, pathogens, or other factors are responsible.

Waiting for Test Results

The community now waits for laboratory findings that may finally shed light on the mystery. Advanced water tests and toxin screenings are underway, but results could take days or weeks.

Until then, the canals remain under scrutiny, and the once-relaxed atmosphere for dog walking is clouded by worry.

Dogsandcatsy Openion

As someone who values the bond between people and their pets, this story is more than just another local news headline. The Venice Canals have been a place where joy and companionship are part of daily life. Seeing that disrupted by an unknown threat underscores the importance of vigilance, science, and community action. I hope the coming weeks bring clarity, and that the canals can once again be a safe place for every tail-wagging walk.