Veterinary practices on Anglesey have issued an urgent warning to dog owners after lumps of palm oil washed up on the island's beaches this week. The waxy substance, often resembling a 'bright yellow rock', has been found along the northwest coast between Porth Tywyn and Porth Swtan (Church Bay). Deposits were also reported on Benllech beach on the east coast.
Bodrwnsiwn Vets, which operates three practices on Anglesey, urged dog owners to exercise caution. In a statement, the practice explained that palm oil is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea within hours of ingestion. The substance can appear white or orange, smells of diesel, and looks similar to fat or lard.
Solidified palm oil is periodically discovered on Anglesey's shores, particularly after storms. It typically appears as waxy pebbles or boulders, often yellow or orange. HM Coastguard has described the lumps as resembling 'giant chunks of earwax' and noted they can carry a sickly sweet or diesel-like odour.
Anglesey's vulnerability to palm oil deposits has been linked to the 1991 sinking of the Maltese vessel Kimya, 16 miles southwest of Holyhead. The ship, which capsized in a storm with the loss of ten crew, was carrying palm oil. Storms may continue to dislodge the cargo, sending lumps to shore. However, most deposits come from vessels using palm oil as a cleaning agent to flush fuel tanks at sea.
Dog owners are advised to seek veterinary advice immediately if they suspect their pet has ingested palm oil.
