A zoologist and campaigner has warned of an impending environmental disaster after his dog fell seriously ill following a swim in Lake Windermere, England's largest lake. Matt Staniek, 26, launched a petition nearing 100,000 signatures calling for an end to pollution in the UNESCO-protected lake in Cumbria.
Last week, Staniek's black Labrador Bo developed vomiting, diarrhoea, and tiredness after swimming. A vet confirmed the dog had contracted campylobacter, a bacterial disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Staniek claims at least five other dogs that regularly walk around the lake have also fallen ill.
His concerns are supported by Peter Semple, 62, a hospital anaesthetist and wildwater swimmer, who contracted campylobacter after swallowing water while swimming in Windermere. Semple suffered crippling abdominal pain and diarrhoea, requiring two weeks off work. He said: 'It was definitely swimming that caused it. It has put me right off swimming in the lakes.'
Campaigners warn that sewage pollution, agricultural runoff, and nearly 2,000 private septic tanks are pushing the lake to the brink. Toxic blue-green algae blooms, which can be fatal to animals, are also increasing. In 2020, raw sewage was pumped into the lake for 1,719 hours, and an interactive map shows at least seven discharge points last year.
United Utilities said Staniek's petition 'contains a number of inaccuracies and misleading statements'. An Environment Agency spokesperson said: 'Sewage discharges and agricultural run-off can cause serious damage to biodiversity in our rivers and lakes if not properly controlled.'
