Five dogs dead after visiting Queensland beach

Warning signs have been erected on a central Queensland beach linked to the poisoning deaths of at least five dogs.

Authorities are investigating whether the dogs may have ingested naturally occurring toxins in dead marine animals on Bangalee Beach, near Yeppoon, or if something more sinister is at play.

The Livingstone Shire Council has placed signs along the beach warning residents to keep an eye on their pets, while a local veterinary surgery has warned residents to steer clear of the area.

Mayor Bill Ludwig said three dogs had died last week after visiting Bangalee Beach, and at least two other canines had passed away in similar circumstances in the past 12 months.

Police, veterinarians, council officers and representatives from other authorities have formed a working group to determine the cause of the deaths.

Mr Ludwig said the group was awaiting toxicology reports, but was also keen to hear from residents who had pets that died shortly after visiting beaches in the area.

"The poisonings may be the result of animals ingesting naturally occurring toxins from dead marine creatures that are being washed up on the beach," Mr Ludwig said.

"We also cannot rule out the possibility that human intervention is involved."

The Yeppoon Veterinary Surgery has issued warnings on Facebook, urging residents to keep their dogs off the beach.

"Symptoms come on very rapidly and have included vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhoea, wobbly gait, unusual behaviour, collapsing etc," the post says.

"Treating symptoms is usually too late and result in death, so stay away from this beach both on and off the lead."

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