Investigation call after terrier's death (From Western Telegraph)

Investigation call after terrier's death

THE tragedy of a family dog who had to be put down after allegedly being blinded by chemicals has prompted calls for a full investigation.

Four-year-old terrier-cross Boots was the pet of ten-year-old Philippa Jeremiah. His owners and their vet believe he went blind after suffering a severe allergic reaction to pesticides used to combat Japanese Knotweed on a grass verge by Llanfallteg Bridge. Within a fortnight, it was felt it was kinder to put Boots to sleep.

"We were heartbroken, and half the children in the village were in tears," said Philippa's father, antiques restorer Spencer Jeremiah.

Since the sad incident in May, he, his partner Sian, and Philippa, of Bradford House, Llanfallteg, have been hoping for a full explanation from Carmarthenshire County Council. However, the authority is denying that its chemicals were responsible for Boots' blindness.

A council chief said in a statement on Monday: "While we appreciate the distress and sadness at the loss of the terrier, we are satisfied that our works are not responsible for the alleged poisoning."

Added assistant divisional operations manager, Huw Morgan: "The technical services department is constantly monitoring and appraising all aspects of its activities associated with the various services it provides."

Said Mr Jeremiah: "We don't want a penny from the council, but we are very concerned about the effects the chemicals being used could have on other pets, wildlife and humans, especially children."

Mr Jeremiah - who is being backed by a vet, Friends of the Earth Cymru and the Pesticide Action Network - was told by the council that the chemicals used were Tordon 22k and Touche. Both are classed as causing eye irritation and harmful to fish and aquatic life. The UK Pesticides Guide 2004 says that livestock should be kept out of areas sprayed by Tordon 22k until foliage has died. There should also have been warning signs.

The Pesticide Action Network is campaigning to get the public rights to know what pesticides have been sprayed near their homes and footpaths.

Pointed out Friends of the Earth Cymru's Gordon James: "If these herbicides are capable of causing so much harm to a dog, then they should not be used, especially in public places.

"Small children could just as easily have walked or crawled through the sprayed area, and possibly suffered adverse effects."