WARNING TO DOG OWNERS AFTER UNUSUAL SEA CREATURE WASHES UP ON BEACHES

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Dozens of venomous sea slugs have washed up on beaches in Western Australia. sparking an urgent warning to dog owners. 

The gastropods, also known as sea slugs, have washed up in droves in Augusta, a town on the south-west coast of WA in the last week. 

Sea hares are significantly larger than a typical sea slug with upper-head tentacles and an internal shell. They can release a toxic ink from their ink glands and secrete a clear slime from their skin. 

Their appearance along the shores of the Augusta prompted the local council to release an official warning to dog owners. 

'Hundreds of dead sea hares have washed ashore along Augusta beaches and lower parts of the Hardy Inlet,' a spokesperson said. 

'These creatures are toxic and pose a serious threat to dogs, causing seizures, vomiting and even death if ingested or if the dog comes into contact with their toxic slime or ink.

'Please supervise your dogs and keep them on a leash, especially around seaweed and the shoreline.'

The toxic purple ink and slime on their body can be harmful to dogs.

Sea hare poisoning can also result in tremors, excessive drooling, muscle weakness or spasms and difficulty walking. 

If a dog owner suspects their pooch has been exposed to the toxins they should seek immediate attention from a vet and contact the animal poisons helpline. 

The council have also installed signs at 'key public areas'. 

'Like in previous years, it is possible that the mass mortality was caused by weather conditions that washed the animals ashore where they died,' it said. 

One local said the number of washed-up sea slugs was particularly bad. 

'My kelpie died from one of these, such a horrible death,' she said. 

The council estimated about 300 and 700 of the sea creatures had washed ashore. 

The areas included Flinders Bay in Augusta, on beaches surrounding the Hardy Inlet including Jays Beach, a designated dog beach.

The animals gain their toxicity from their diet of toxic red and green algae. 

Sea hares are generally harmless to humans, though people are advised not to rub their eyes or mouths after handling the animals. 

It is recommended people wash their hands immediately after touching the animals. 

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2025-03-13T06:01:41Z