Probe of Venice Dog Deaths Uncovers Algae Toxins, but Cause Still Unclear

Testing of water in the Venice canals where multiple dogs have died and others have been sickened for unexplained reasons found the presence of toxins produced by algae, county health officials said Friday, while stopping short of blaming the discovery directly for the canine illnesses.

But the county Department of Public Health recommended a series of steps for pet owners to help prevent their animals — and themselves — from becoming ill.

The Venice Canals Association in July issued an alert about multiple dog deaths in the area, noting that canines were reported to have begun vomiting, having seizures and collapsing after walking in the canal area. The association reported as many as seven dog deaths and roughly a dozen illnesses.

The Department of Public Health reported that as of Fr