Dog owners have been warned to avoid some beaches in north Cornwall following reports of hemlock water dropwort roots and reports of pets becoming "very unwell". Reports of dogs dying from ingestion  The plant have ben reported this month. The roots of the Hemlock part of the Carrot family look like turnips and produced the poison which the Greek philosopher is believed to have died after ingesting. The root is often mistaken for parsnip due to its appearance and is poisonous to animals including dogs. Dog owners are being urged to stay away from some Cornish beaches after several dogs have been taken sick and some have even died. Visitors to Fistral Beach and Little Fistral in Newquay have noticed their dogs becoming unwell in recent weeks.
It follows walks at the popular beaches, which are dog-friendly year-round, and there are similar reports from other beaches in the Newquay area. At least two devastated owners have lost their beloved dogs despite urgent vet treatment since the start of the year.