Mystery surrounds cause of dogs becoming seriously ill

COUNTRYSIDE rangers have confirmed that a white powder found at the Ham Hill Country Park DID NOT leave two dogs seriously ill – but mystery still surrounds as to what did actually cause the sickness.

The Yeovil Press reported at the beginning of the year that two dogs became violently sick after apparently licking a white powder which was found at Ham Hill at Stoke-sub-Hamdon on December 29.

But South Somerset District Council – which runs Ham Hill – has today (Monday, February 3, 2014) confirmed that the powder, which was sent off for scientific testing, was simple flour and would not have caused the dogs to be ill.

PHOTO - TOP: A white powder found at Ham Hill Country Park has been found to be just plain old flour.

A spokesman for the council’s countryside rangers said: “As a result of the testing and reports received from the public we can confirm that the white powder was flour which had been laid down by a local running group who set a trail for the group to follow.

“We therefore believe that the white powder on the mole hills and the poisoning of the dogs are not connected.”

The council still do not know, however, what caused the dogs to be ill.

But the spokesman added: “We can certainly rule out the white powder.”

The council has written to the owner of the dogs – which are understood to have recovered from the illness - to let them know the latest situation.

“We hope that this worrying incident will not put them off from enjoying our country parks in the future,” added the spokesman.

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