6 Dog Deaths In Venice Spark County Investigation

VENICE, CA — Animal welfare authorities are investigating the recent deaths of at least six dogs who suddenly became ill in the Venice Canal area, officials said Tuesday.

"Over the past 10 days, several healthy dogs in our neighborhood have suddenly fallen ill — heartbreakingly, six have passed away and one is currently in ICU. While the cause is still unknown, symptoms have included vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and collapse," the Venice Canal Association posted on Instagram Monday.

The Los Angeles Department of Animal Services on Monday was notified by officials from the county Veterinary Public Health program about the deaths, a city spokesperson told Patch.

The dogs range in age and include both young animals and seniors. They appear to be from different households. All were apparently healthy before suddenly becoming ill or dying, Veterinary Public Health officials said.

"Many of the dogs are experiencing neurologic signs (seizures, weakness), cardiac arrest, and peracute to acute death," officials said.

Public health officials are currently investigating the cases and are asking dog owners to report any cases that may be related.

"To help ensure the health and well-being of your pet, LA Animal Services and VPH are asking the community to closely monitor pets while outside, and when outdoors to keep pets on short leashes to avoid or minimize risk of pets ingesting or inhaling toxins, until more information is known," officials said.

Among the dogs who have died is a Golden Retriever named Ginger. The 1-year-old dog had a severe seizure just hours after getting a clean bill of health from a veterinarian, Yo! Venice reported.

The cause of the dogs' deaths remains unknown, but neighbors suspect it may be rodent poison, a toxic algae bloom or some other toxic or viral source. Officials have not offered speculation as what the cause of the dogs' deaths may be.