'Palm oil turned our dog walk into a nightmare'

A woman from Kent who says her dogs became ill after ingesting suspected palm oil during a beach walk is angry the substance can be dumped at sea.

On Sunday a warning was issued by HM Coastguard after "white, waxy deposits" were reported at Margate Main Sands, Ramsgate Main Sands and Botany Bay.

Jenny Binfield said her black labradors Marmite, three, and Mojito, 16 months, became ill after ingesting the substance during a walk on the private Sandwich Bay beach.

"One dog walk turned into a nightmare...I feel angry that palm oil can be dumped," Ms Binfield said. "It should never happen."

Palm oil, a vegetable product that comes from the fruit of oil palm trees, is regularly transported around the world by ship.

According to HM Coastguard, the substance can wash up on beaches after ship crews flush out residue in a vessel's storage tanks at sea to avoid contamination.

It advised people to keep their pets on leads and to keep them away from the suspected palm oil as it can pose a serious risk to dogs.

Ms Binfield took both dogs to the vet as they were lethargic and being sick.

"The vet said that if we hadn't got there within the hour it could have been deadly," she said.

According to Ms Binfield, the vet had seen five other dogs that same day in relation to the same issue.

So far the family say they have spent about £1,300 on vet bills.

While there is insurance in place for Marmite and Mojito, Ms Binfield said she would have to pay a contribution of the cost.

She said she would have kept the pets on a lead had there been any indication of danger at the beach.

A spokesperson for Dover District Council said: "We continue to work closely with the coastguard who have been clearing any deposits found and advise residents to remain vigilant and to keep dogs on a lead.

"Local beaches are being monitored by staff, and we would encourage residents to report any further deposits seen to the local coastguard."

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