Warning of poisonous plants on local beach

Warning of poisonous plants on local beach

14 August 2019

DOG owners have been warned that a poisonous plant has been washed up on Newcastle beach.

The Hemlock Water wort, or more commonly known as ‘poisonous parsnip’ is reputed to be lethal to all animals if ingested and untreated. 

The plants were discovered on the beach between Donard car park up to the Slieve Donard on Sunday by local wildlife rescuer Debbie Nelson.

She posted a warning to dog owners after trying to collect as many of the root balls as possible before disposing them into a bin.

Debbie said: “The only reason I happened to be on the beach that day was that I was down doing a rescue to find a large Great Northern Diver bird and that was when I spotted the hemlock and removed what I could to the bins.

“I’m sure there may be more along the coast these plants grow along the edges of river banks and with all the rain we’ve had they get washed away down to the shore and end up in the tide line on the beaches so they can appear on any beach.

“I lifted quite a few large chunks and put them in the bins away from the beach but there will be more in amongst the seaweed.”

Debbie, who operates Debbie Dolittle’s Wildlife, warned that no-one should attempt to pick up the plants with their bare hands and to use a plastic bag instead.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council confirmed yesterday that it was aware that the dropwort had recently been washed up on local beaches.

A spokesman said: “The council is aware that evidence of the Hemlock Water Dropwort or ‘poisonous parsnip’ as it is sometimes known, has been found and collected as part of a litter picking exercise on beaches in Newcastle and Annalong.

“Hemlock Water Dropwort is a relatively common plant which is native to Ireland and is potentially dangerous to dogs if eaten or chewed on.

“The council would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that all animals in public areas must be kept under the control by the owner at all times and checked immediately by your local vet if in contact with the plant.”

The dropwort plant is dangerous to both animals and humans if enough is ingested.

Vets say the signs to look out for if you think your pet has eaten the plant is the early onset of drooling, muscle twitching or spasms, nervousness, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, hyperventilating tremors, seizures and then coma.

However, it is possible for a dog to be saved if the owner take the animal to a vets clinic as soon as possible. 

Treatment is normally to first introduce vomiting and to wash out the dog’s stomach followed by anti-seizure medication if required.