It is not known what it is, so Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services has urged dog owners to keep their pets away.
In 2013 and 2014 there were reports of degrade oil or fat washing up on the beaches, which was decomposed, rancid (oxidation and/or hydrolysis) lumps of palm oil.
If this is ingested by dogs it can cause extreme gastrointestinal upsets resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea with associated dehydration.
In the worst cases it can cause pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, which is often associated with abdominal pain which is manifested by the dog taking up a ‘preying position’ with their rear end up in the air while their front legs and head are lowered onto the floor.
Pancreatitis can also cause serious electrolyte imbalances which can affect the hearts function.
If any substances are found on beaches, they should not be removed, but reported it to aclms@gov.gg.
If you have already picked up the substance, double wrap it in plastic and dispose of it in the normal refuse.
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