Dog owners are urged to be on their guard following the unexplained death of a pooch at an Ayrshire beauty spot.
Ayrshire Live has been told the animal was put to sleep after suffering convulsions on Irvine beach.
The owner, who took her two border collies and pony for an outing to the North Ayrshire beauty spot, has been left heartbroken with what has happened.
It's thought the pooch may have ingested either algae or palm oil which resulted in seizures and it becoming ill, although this has not been confirmed.
A post online from the dog owner's friend reads: "There really needs to be signs put up warning of this as my friend had never heard of any dog being ill before her walk but has since been made aware of many incidents involving palm oil and algae.
"Environmental health are being contacted."
North Ayrshire Council say there was "no evidence" to support claims of palm oil being on the beach following an investigation but further assessment is being carried out.
A spokesperson told Ayrshire Live: “Palm oil is not an environmental health issue as there is no danger to public health.
“Our Streetscene officers recently investigated the claims of palm oil being present on the beach and found no evidence to support this. They will carry out further checks this week and take any action as necessary.”
The local authority has already erected warning signs nearby at the Irvine beach park pond which has algae present.
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