What should have been an ordinary walk by the popular Tegeler See lake in Germany, quickly turned into a nightmare for the poor dog owner, who just wanted to spend time outdoors with her four-legged friend.
As soon as they arrived home her dog collapsed.
Hidden danger at Tegeler See
According to information from Reinickendorf district office, the dog showed symptoms of acute poisoning - which is believed to have come from algae toxins in the water. Whether the dog was playing with the algae on shore or in the water remains unclear - but heartbreakingly he didn't make it, passing away later that same day.
It turns out this isn't an isolated case, with other owners reporting similar incidences after walking around the lake.
The toxins were first detected in Tegeler See back in 2017. Since then there have been repeated deaths among dogs - yet without any kind of formal ban on dog walking there, owners continue to return completely unaware.
Blue-green algae: barely visible but deadly
According to the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso), even small concentrations of the toxin are enough to cause severe poisoning or even death in dogs.
The quantities of the algae are not enough to harm humans, but they can be life-threatening for animals.
Since the tragedy, Reinickendorf district office announced it will be putting up warning signs and publishing an official warning online, but animal welfare campaigners are demanding more. They want clear awareness campaigns, visible notices on site - and consistent monitoring of the water itself.
