Multiple Dogs Die in California From Mysterious Illness

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Jasmine Laws is a US News Reporter at Newsweek based in London, U.K. Her focus is reporting on health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, but she also writes about U.S. politics, crime and global affairs. Jasmine joined Newsweek in 2024 from News UK and had previously written for the Metro, Byline Times, The Human Perspective magazine and The Express. She has previously extensively covered stories within the U.K. art industry, human rights, health, and human trafficking. She was one of the nominees for Best News Piece at the U.K’s Anti-Slavery Day 2023 Awards in Parliament. She is a graduate of Durham University and completed her NCTJ at News Associates. You can get in touch with Jasmine by emailing jasmine.laws@newsweek.com. Languages: English.

Jasmine Laws

US News Reporter

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Mystery surrounds the rising number of dogs dying in a Los Angeles neighborhood, according to local reports.

The Venice Canal Association, a homeowners’ group, shared a post on Instagram earlier this week, reporting that five dogs had died while one more was in intensive care.

Soon after, the Los Angeles Times reported the toll had risen to seven dead dogs and 11 hospitalized.

But nobody knows why the dogs are dying at such an alarming rate.

Newsweek has contacted the Venice Canal Association and Los Angeles Animal Service outside of regular working hours via email for comment.

Why It Matters

Rodent poison, toxic algae bloom, and other toxins and viruses are all being investigated as possible causes, said the Venice Canal Association.

All dogs affected were said to be perfectly healthy before the onset of sudden, severe symptoms, said the Times.

Reported symptoms include: vomiting, sudden weakness or lethargy, seizures, cardiac arrest, collapse, and foaming at the mouth.

What To Know

Resident Barbara Malsch told local news outlet KTLA 5 her dog Shadow had died on July 21, after he began vomiting and stopped eating.

“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,” said Malsch.

Flyers have been distributed around the Venice Canals, advising residents how to protect their dogs and asking them to share any information and report symptoms by scanning a QR code.

Pet owners were told to keep their dogs leashed at all times, and try to prevent them sniffing, licking, or eating anything too much while out on walks. Owners should also stop their dogs from drinking water from canals, puddles and any shared water bowls.

Any dogs in the area presenting with unusual or sudden symptoms should be immediately taken to the vet.

What People Are Saying

The Venice Canal Association wrote on social media: “Over the past 10 days, several healthy dogs in our neighborhood have suddenly fallen ill—heartbreakingly, six have passed away and one is currently in ICU. While the cause is still unknown, symptoms have included vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and collapse.

“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their beloved companions. These dogs were not just pets—they were family, and treasured members of our community.”

Eric Torres, a resident who lost his 4-year-old golden retriever to the mystery illness told the Los Angeles Times: “We’re still baffled by it, and I know the vets at [Access Specialty] were also baffled by it. She was still, relatively, a very young dog … I feel like we’re living in a toxic environment, and something is affecting them.”

He added: “My initial reaction was like, well, [an autopsy] is not gonna bring my dog back. Now that it’s affecting so many other dogs, I think I’d like to know what it is … I still have a dog at home.”

What Happens Next

The investigation into the cause of the mystery illness is still ongoing.