Unexplained Illness Kills 6 Dogs Near Venice Canals, Sickens Several More

People worry that the white powder around this home in Venice may be harmful to dogs. It is being tested.

(Editor’s note: this story first appeared today, July 29 in the Westside Current and is reprinted with permission.)

By SANDRA CLARK

Dog owners in Venice are on edge following the tragic deaths of at least six healthy dogs who fell ill after walking near the Venice Canals. The first death was reported on July 6; the most recent occurred July 27. At least ten additional dogs are experiencing troubling symptoms, with one currently in intensive care.

Community members have rallied together in response to the growing crisis, working to identify a possible environmental toxin or unknown substance causing the illnesses.

Longtime Venice Canal resident Barbara Malsch shared the heartbreaking news that her dog, Shadow, passed away on Monday, July 21.

“She had a habit—she would lick her paws, clean her paws when we would get home from our walks,” Malsch said. “I remember she stopped eating. She was throwing up even though she hadn’t eaten anything. I didn’t know what the problem was so I took her to the vet. The vet said it was her kidneys. That she had at least six more months. But she died at home with me just days later.”

“I am heartbroken,” Malsch added of her rescue pup, describing Shadow as “pure joy and much more than just a pet.”

Just five days later, on July 25, another dog owner, Taylor, lost her one-year-old Golden Retriever, Ginger. The puppy had experienced a severe seizure following a routine walk on the canals. Ginger had recently received a clean bill of health.

“I loved her so much she was beyond special. I cannot believe she’s gone. She just turned 1 on June 22 and died June 25. Heartbroken doesn’t even come close to explaining it.”

In response, Venice Canal Association member and founder of Know Your Neighbor (KYN), Ramon J. Goni, has mobilized a team of residents to collect and organize reports through a Google spreadsheet. KYN, a community coordinating system, under the VCA umbrella has been instrumental in gathering detailed information from different neighbors whose dogs have been impacted. The data has been shared with city and county public health officials.

“Yesterday is when I first started to receive reports about these tragic deaths,” said Goni. “Some dog owners started connecting the dots. Everyone has come together to help and give their support, and help find the cause which is still ongoing. We don’t want to jump to any conclusions, which is why we are gathering as much information as possible. What we are trying to do right now is two things: raise awareness that there is a very serious health issue right now, and that owners need to pay extra attention when they are walking their dogs.”

Goni and his team have created and distributed flyers door-to-door throughout the canals and surrounding neighborhoods. The flyers include a list of symptoms—vomiting, seizures—along with possible causes and tips to help dog owners keep their pets safe.

One area of concern is a house located at the corner of Ocean and 28th Street, which was recently treated for ants. A current tenant told Westside Current that a handyman, hired by the property owner, sprayed insect repellent along the outside of the home. In photographs taken by Westside Current, a white powder can be seen lining the side of the house and scattered across the sidewalk—making it easily accessible to curious dogs. A sample of the substance has been collected and will be tested.

VCA President Mark Galanty urged the public to remain vigilant, but patient.

“We are here to support each other, and right now we are sending our sincerest condolences to those community members grieving their beloved dogs,” Galanty said.

For more information, please scan the QR code on the flyer or contact the Venice Canal Association directly.