Irvine beach: Dog walkers believe the pond is where danger lies

Earlier this week a vet had issued a warning to dog owners asking them to avoid taking their pets to the beach after several animals needed urgent care.

The dogs had symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea and a general sense of being lethargic when they arrived at the Kilmarnock and Stewarton branches to Valley Veterinary Group.

But when the Times went along to the beach, dog owners were convinced it was the boating pond next to the former Magnum Leisure Centre site that was causing the sickness.

Sue Wilkie from Uplawmoor brings her dog everyday and has never had any trouble with the sea water.

"We come almost every day and she is fine, she runs around until her heart is content and we have been coming here for years," said Sue.

"I don't let her go in the pond though as I don't like the look of it."

Around the boating pond are warning signs about high levels of blue and green algae.

A sign has been posted at the Beach Park pond

One couple who take their greyhound to the Beach Park most days try and avoid him going into the pond.

The dog walker, who asked not to be named, said: "There are signs up every so often and on the occasions that he has leapt into the pond, he has always been sick that night.

"We try our best to stop him but I really don't think the sea water is harmful. There are no signs of foam or of it being dirty, it must be this pond.

"What they need to do is put some sort of filtration in to help keep it clean. They did it in a park in Kilmarnock by putting a fountain in to keep it clean."

The Beach Park Boating Pond

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: "Irvine Beach is a vast area and we cannot properly investigate this without any details.

"Signage is currently in place advising people to keep their dogs away from the pond."