kenriise

I've connected Southwark Council with the vet to investigate further It *may* be nothing at all to do with the cemetery, but either way I just want to ensure nothing dangerous for dogs is unwittingly accessible

I just had this back from Friends of Nunhead Cemetery: I think that you may be referring to the bark mulch pile on the West Hill path which has been placed there by Southwark Council's contractors on site. I am not aware of any compost heaps as such on site. As you say, however, there may be another cause for your dog's illness as certain plants or other materials may be responsible. It is even possible that the cause lays outwith the cemetery boundaries. It would perhaps be helpful for the Council to know which vet has reported similar instances of sickness. I am copying this response to the appropriate borough officer to investigate further.

My dog nearly died this weekend. A week or so ago, she was badly sick after eating something on the compost heap at the top of the hill in the cemetery. On Friday she did it again (I couldn't stop her in time). This time, 24 hours later she was in animal hospital in danger of her life having vomited blood. She has been incredibly weak and on a drip, but thankfully as of this morning is looking like recovering. I told the vet what happened and she said they had had SIX other dogs in THIS WEEKEND with the same symptoms who ALSO walked their dog in the cemetery. There are surely many other vets in the area experiencing similar intakes. I can't say for certain the compost pile is the cause, but it does strongly seem like there is something amiss in that cemetery. The 'compost heap' I refer to is just down the hill from the bench at the top that has the view of St Paul's Our vet is calling the cemetery and the council. I have emailed Friends of Nunhead Cemetery. Please take note and warn other dog walkers until this is resolved.

Scott - delighted to hear of the plans. We live just round the corner and are looking forward to trying out the new place