What to do if you find Palm Oil on the Sefton Coast
Sefton Council are asking dog walkers to still be vigilant when visiting the beach after more palm oil was discovered.
Rangers from Sefton Council’s Coast and Countryside team removed four bags of palm oil from Crosby beach on April 4 following inspections. No traces of debris have been found in Ainsdale or Southport.
A spokesman for the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership said: “Palm oil debris is harmless to humans, but it can be fatal to dogs if eaten.
“Unfortunately dogs are attracted to the smell of the stuff, so pet owners are advised to remain vigilant if walking your dog on the coast, especially around tidelines.
“Pet owners should keep their dogs under close control on the beach, especially along the tideline, although the material can appear elsewhere on the beach after a high tide.”
Warning signs are on display throughout the Sefton Coast and anyone who discovers palm oil is encouraged to call 0151 934 2967 and report it.
Southport dog walkers urged to watch out for dangerous Palm Oil
Due to recent stormy weather, decaying palm oil from a 26 year old shipwreck may wash up along the Sefton coastline.
A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “A small amount of this palm oil, which is hazardous to dogs if ingested, was found on the shore between Birkdale and Ainsdale before being removed by our Coast and Countryside team.
“Earlier this year palm oil washed up in North Wales and Anglesey Council said they understood the substance came from the Maltese ship Kimya, which capsized 26 years ago south of Holyhead, killing 10 of its crew.
“The material forms large yellowy, waxy lumps which are harmless to humans, but can be potentially fatal to dogs if ingested.
“Tides are currently quite high, so it is possible more of this material will be washed up on the Sefton coast.
“We are encouraging dog owners to make sure they don’t let their pets ingest the oil and to make sure they are vigilant when walking along the tideline especially.”
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