A 10-year-old blue Staffy named Blubelle, who served as an autism therapy dog for Leah Van Win, 21, has been put to sleep after suspected weedkiller poisoning. The dog had been in a serious condition at a Dundee veterinary hospital with extensive liver damage.
Family's ordeal and loss
Leah and her disabled mother Karen Lowe, 52, were “terrified” when Blubelle started having seizures, convulsing, and vomiting. They suspected weedkiller sprayed around their home at City Quay could be responsible, prompting the local authority to investigate.
Leah said: "I feel empty. The emotional damage is not going to go away. I've lost my baby. I've lost my lifeline. They said we could do more tests and referrals but I didn't think it would be fair on Blubelle because she'd be suffering and you just don't want them to suffer."
Investigation and community support
Tests showed Blubelle had suffered extensive liver damage. The council has told the family they will investigate. Leah added: "We're going to fight for justice for Blubelle. We've raised over £1,200 within the last few days which is amazing but obviously that doesn't bring back my baby. We didn't realise what an amazing community we had so we're really grateful."
Concerns began when Blubelle's paws turned red, leading to a check-up and steroids for suspected dermatitis. Over subsequent days, she started bumping into things, her temperature spiked, and she stopped eating and drinking. Seizures began last Saturday. After their usual vet was closed, they found another vet on the other side of the city, where her liver problem was identified.
Previous incidents and council response
Leah and Karen have researched past incidents in Dundee where dogs fell ill after walks in local parks and have asked the council about spraying locations and products used. They want the council to cover all bills if found liable.
In 2019, Dundee councillor Fraser Macpherson urged the local authority to review weedkiller use amid fears chemicals could be poisoning dogs. City vets had confirmed cases of liver damage, though no direct evidence linked weedkiller to the poisonings, and council officers said the chemicals used are approved as safe.
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “The council is aware of the concerns that have been expressed by the family and officers are looking into these."
