Dog walkers warned over ‘highly toxic’ substance on Sussex beaches

Dog walkers in Sussex are being urged to be cautious if using local beaches after suspected palm oil, which is “highly toxic to dogs”, was found along the coast.

Adur and Worthing Councils said its coastal office team was notified of the discovery by members of the public on 3 November. They said that a substance – thought to be palm oil – had washed onto the beach.

A council spokesperson told Sussex Express: “The substance is yet to be tested, but as palm oil is highly toxic to dogs the coastal office is advising all dog owners to be cautious if walking their animals on the beach, or to avoid the area entirely.

“The main area affected is the stretch of coast between Waterwise Garden on Worthing beach and Sea Lane Cafe in Goring, but the substance has also been spotted as far away as Brighton.”