Dog owners warned after toxic blue-green algae discovered in Lower Stobsmuir Pond in Dundee

Dog owners have been warned to keep their pets away from water at a Dundee beauty spot after toxic blue-green algae was discovered in a pond.

Dundee City Council said it had identified high levels of the toxic bacteria at Lower Stobsmuir Pond on Friday, just days before the Easter holiday.

In a statement, the council said: “Recent monitoring has identified high levels of blue-green algae and until the all clear is given people are being asked to avoid contact with the water and keep their pets away,” a press release from the city council said.

The algae is a type of organism that grows in lochs, ponds, reservoirs, rivers and in the sea and can cause skin rashes for those who come in contact with it.

More serious health effects can include stomach upsets, eye irritations and pain in muscles and joints. These symptoms are usually mild, but in some cases can be severe.

For pets and animals, it can be deadly if ingested.

“The risk to small animals like dogs is significant over the summer months as they tend to drink more water in the heat and may eat shoreline algal crusts,” the council added.

“Dog owners should keep an eye on their pets, especially if they come in to contact with water which could be affected.”

The pond is one of two within Dundee’s Stobsmuir Park. They are home to the resident swans, which the council said gives the ponds their local name of “Swannie Ponds”. They are popular for boating and fishing. 

According to the City Council website, the bottom pond is currently closed for recreational use due to repairs including the removal of weeds.

It is now also affected with blue-green algae.

The council has asked anyone who has been in contact with the water and experiences health problems to contact their GP or NHS 24 on 111.

Notices have been posted at the pond. Dundee City Council’s Neighbourhood Services can provide further information on the algae on 01382 433710.