Dog owners in the Maldon District are being advised to take extra care when walking their pets on the beach.

Residents are being asked to take simple precautions following two cases of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), in North Norfolk and Suffolk.

It has been confirmed that the death of a Siberian Husky after eating a shore crab at Felixstowe Ferry, Suffolk, last month is highly likely to have been because of PSP.

This follows similar findings in relation to a Golden Retriever that died after eating fish on the beach at Cley in North Norfolk on New Year’s Eve.

Experts found very high concentrations of PSP toxins in starfish and partially digested shore crab connected with the incident at Felixstowe Ferry. The toxins are naturally occurring.

Analysis of samples and symptoms of the affected dogs also indicates their deaths were likely to have been a consequence of ingesting PSP - contaminated animals.

It is thought that the contaminated animals were washed up on beaches during winter storms and are likely to have now been washed back into the sea.

The CEO of Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, Julian Gregory, said: "It is important we take a measured and joined-up approach in working to find out what the extent of PSP contamination may be.

"At this point there is nothing to indicate that species sold for human consumption such as brown crabs or lobster is affected but as a precautionary measure we are sampling a range of marine animals to ensure that any on-going PSP contamination is identified."

Dog walkers are being advised to take simple precautions to prevent their pets from consuming anything found on a beach.

Cllr Bob Boyce MBE, chairman of the council’s community services committee, added; "Any owners of pets that have become ill after consuming items on a beach are asked to report the matter to our Environmental Health team on 01621 875796, once a vet has confirmed they meet the possible symptoms of PSP."