A popular dog park in Bay Area city Santa Clara in California, has been closed indefinitely after multiple dogs became sick following visits there in recent weeks, including at least one that died last month.
City officials announced on August 4 that Nuevo Dog Park will be closed until further notice as a “precautionary measure” while tests are carried out.
Newsweek has contacted the City of Santa Clara for comment.
Why It Matters
Multiple dogs have been affected in recent weeks, and the park’s closure highlights the urgency of the situation. City officials said in an announcement that shutting down the park was a necessary step to protect other animals while tests are conducted.
What To Know
According to a news release from the City of Santa Clara, several dogs became ill after visiting Nuevo Dog Park, and one “sadly passed away” during the week of July 28 after a visit to the park.
Another dog, Benji—a 4-year-old mini Australian shepherd—also died on June 15 after having two seizures following a visit to the park, NBC Bay Area reported. Several dogs have showed symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.
City staff stressed that pesticides are not used in any dog parks. “All are regularly cleaned with pet- and eco-friendly products. We are taking these concerns seriously,” the news release said.
Resident Juliana Martinez told NBC Bay Area that her dog, Ozzy, began trembling violently after a visit, prompting her to post warning signs outside the park.
“It was really traumatizing for me and my boyfriend; we just didn’t know what was going on,” Martinez said “We were scared obviously. Once we got to the vet, they thought he had epilepsy.”
A Samoyed named Boba was left “fighting for his life” after suffering seizures that “led to a heatstroke causing multiple damages internally,” owner Tony Wang told local news outlet KQED.
Dog owner Marianne Saint George was surprised to hear of the closure, telling ABC7 News on August 6: “I literally had no idea there was a health concern here. I thought it was closed because the gate had been vandalized.”
Her two dogs, Esmerelda and Rosemary, had suffered bouts of diarrhea lasting several days, prompting her to seek advice from a veterinarian, she said.
Chanu Malla told the news outlet his dog Bella also suffered violent seizures after visiting the park and he “wasn’t sure if she was going to make it during the 10-minute drive to the vet.”
“It was really scary. I’ve never had major health issues like that with her before,” Malla said.
What People Are Saying
The City of Santa Clara said in a news release on August 4: “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the pet’s family—we understand that pets are cherished members of our community.
“The health and safety of Santa Clara residents, including their four-legged companions, is a top priority.”
What Happens Next
Environmental testing at Nuevo Dog Park is underway, and the city has not given a timeline for reopening.
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