No Dog Swimming in Broadwood Loch

[Lindy]

If you are looking for somewhere to walk the Rugby fields in Condorrat is pretty good, I walk there most days, there is also a path from behind the Dalshannon Indian in condorrat that goes through some fields (farmer is ok with dog walkers) throught the rugby fields and right up to palacerigg it's a lovely walk, quite long but really nice, also behind croy there is a really nice walk that goes throught some fileds and can be done in a ciruclar route that brings you out at the car park next to the community centre/church place in croy. Also a nice walk but pretty hilly is the antonie wall just up from the canal at kilsyth think it's auchinstarry 9don't think thats how you spell it!!!)

Probably worth remebering that the new access legislation allows us to walk most palces with our dogs now as long as we are incontrol of them only a couple of places we should avoid such as fields with live stock and soft fruit fields, apart from that we can go alsmost anywhere now.

[John Thomson]

Here is the response I recieved this morning from Helen Boyle

hello folks

I am Helen Boyle, Senior Countryside Ranger based at Palacerigg House in Cumbernauld. Broadwood Loch is one of the Sites of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINCs) that we monitor. Broadwood is also monitored and maintained by the Grounds Maintenance section, and they have put the signs in place.

Blue-green algae is not a pollutant: it occurs naturally when aquatic and climatic condition favour growth. This is called an algal bloom. There are several strains of the algae, and some produce toxins. The toxins can cause health problems for both people and dogs - but only if you have direct contact, ie emmerse in, and/or digest the affected water. This is why North Lanarkshire Council have errected guidance signs. Dogs swimming in the Loch would be likely to clean themselves off afterwards and swallow some algal residue, other dogs, like mine, would be likely to drink the water: both should be avoided. Dogs should therefor be kept under close control.

For information - Blue-green algal blooms occur every year in Strathclyde Loch and similar guidance signs are erected. Watersport activities continue unless the bloom becomes sufficient to suspend emmersion sports ( water skiing, wind surfing). The bloom is not treated, and to date non-emmersion water sports have never been suspended.

It is a naturral occurence and should cause only minor inconveince if the guidance signs are followed. I hope this ansers your questions and puts the problem into perspctive for you.

Should you need any further information, the Scottish Executive have information sites on the web, or give me a call on 01236 780636.

Helen Boyle
_________________
John Thomson
www.cumbernaulddogtraining.co.uk

[marcella]

That's a good response.
It's informative and at least clears things up for everyone!

thanks Helen.

[Sheryl]

Does anyone know how long it takes to clear up ie when is it safe to take dogs back down there and let them in the water!!?
x
_________________
Kindest Regards,
PRINCESS Sheryl, Keano and Coby.

[marcella]

not sure ........... but best to keep away until the signs are removed.

[Deborah Hamilton]

Hi everyone,
Taking a break from my stress this week to look at the forum.

My daughters dog fell into the water just over a week ago and before the signs went up and had been really ill. He is on the mend now but I did tell her to let the vet know.

[Sheryl]

Thank goodness! Its alright!
x
_________________
Kindest Regards,
PRINCESS Sheryl, Keano and Coby.

[marcella]

oh that's not good Debbie! Glad it's better now though.

As for your stressful week ............. it's not been THAT stressful has it?

Any luck on the car front yet?

[Deborah Hamilton]

[marcella]

oh that's good news Debbie! What did you get?
Will you head on holiday with the caravan next week now?

[Deborah Hamilton]

[marcella]

oh that's good!

Out of curiosity Debbie, what kind of symptoms did the dog have after being in the loch?

(getting back on topic here )

[Deborah Hamilton]

Vomiting, Diarrhoea, lethargy. Although what was stumping the vet was that he had no temperature. I can't remember what order he had them or whether there were other symptoms, I will ask her. The lethargy was definitely the first though and that lasted for a while before he had any other symptoms.

[kirsty]

Glad you got a car debs.

is your leckie and gas back on yet.

Feel free to come borrow whatever, have a shower if you need etc.

Hope you get away on hols ok.

[kirsty]

Hi Lindy

thanks for the suggestion, I may just go there tomorrow.