Pet owners were issued a warning by city officials on Tuesday after multiple dogs were inexplicably sickened and died in recent weeks after walks near the Venice Canals, prompting an investigation from Los Angeles County health officials.
The deaths were first announced by the Venice Canals Association in a post on social media, stating that dogs had been vomiting, having seizures and collapsing from the illness. Dog owners and walkers were advised to keep dogs on a leash away from water in the canal and to avoid using shared bowls with other dogs.
Since the start of June, neighbors say that at least seven dogs have died and nearly a dozen others have fallen ill. Fliers have been posted all throughout the neighborhood warning people of the outbreak.
“It is a very serious issue,” said Ramon J. Goni, a member of the Venice Canal Association. “It’s basically a cluster of like, five dogs dying in less than 10 days, and then another one that passed away last month.”
Merck have been using RNA in some k-9 and feline jabs for some time 🤔 👇
What officials say: "The dogs range in age from young to senior and appear to be from separate households, all apparently healthy before suddenly becoming ill or dying,” according to information from the… pic.twitter.com/aHDbb1cCMK
— “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) December 15, 2025