A heartbroken woman from Scotland is mourning the “tragic” death of her French bulldog after she claims the beloved pup died after inhaling toxic substances in a public park.
Lorraine McNally alleges her five-year-old French Bulldog, Mia, became sick after walking in Woodhill Park, known locally as Greenhills Park in the town of Bishopbriggs, Scotland.
Lorraine, 50, claims the dog inhaled a poison that had been spread in the park, without any prior warning.
Mia started coughing, bringing up bile, and the next morning, after her walk, she was extremely lethargic. Despite a vet visit, hours later the canine’s health deteriorated and she was put on oxygen. Vets later decided that she needed an operation.
Sadly, Mia did not survive, with reports stating she inhaled a poison that affected her small windpipe.
Ms Mcnally said: “I can’t speak about what happened to Mia without crying, I’m so devastated I’ve only now been able to talk about it. She died in the early hours of September 2 after becoming ill walking in Greenhills Park. I’ve now been told the council had spread treatment on the grass but there were no warnings posted, no signs or anything.”
Vets told the pet owner that Mia had inhaled something toxic that had affected her airways and Lorraine believes it was from the park.
She added: “It is a complete tragedy, Mia was in good health and it is still such a shock. If she died of old age or a heart attack it would be easier to deal with but this should never have happened. It has been absolutely horrific. I’m heartbroken. She was the best wee dog and she was so lively.”
Lorraine is insured for up to £10,000 but currently does not know the final bill for Mia’s treatment but it is estimated to be well over £4,000. She has since been contacted by other dog owners who say their pets became extremely unwell after walking in the area.
Lorraine is now urging other dog walkers in the area to be careful. She added: “I want to make other dog owners in the area aware because I didn’t know anything had been spread. Apparently, some other dogs have been ill for weeks after walking there. It is an absolute disgrace.”
The councillor for Bishopbriggs North and Campsie Colette McDiarmid said: “I know this has been a distressing and upsetting time for my constituent, Lorraine, and my thoughts are with her following the loss of her beloved dog, Mia.
“I have contacted senior council officers to find out more information about any spraying activity that may have been undertaken at the park and I am awaiting their response.”
Ann Davie, Depute Chief Executive of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “We have been made aware of a report regarding Woodhill Park, Bishopbriggs, and are currently investigating. We are unable to comment further at this stage except to extend our sincerest sympathies.”
