Pet owners in Nelson are being warned after reports of dogs eating solidified waste washing up on local beaches.
In a post on Facebook, Nelson City Council said recent flooding in the region had caused fatbergs to wash ashore.
Fatbergs are rock-like masses of waste that form in sewer systems, an accumulation of non-biodegradable materials such as solidified fats and wet wipes.
“The combination of high flood flows and tidal conditions created the perfect scenario for material from the overflow to be washed ashore,“ the council said.
“As a result, we have received reports of fatbergs washing up along Tāhunanui’s Back Beach.”
The council said it had also been advised that some dogs have been eating the fatbergs.
“While fatbergs are not considered dangerous to pets, it is not recommended that dogs consume them.
“Dog owners are encouraged to keep their pets away from any fatbergs found on the beach.”
Last month, a fatberg was blamed for a sewer leak that contaminated a Rotorua waterhole, forcing it to close for two days.
Last month, a fatberg was blamed for a sewer leak that contaminated a Rotorua waterhole.
This blockage caused an overflow from a sewer manhole.
Rotorua Lakes Council told Local Democracy Reporting at the time the incident was a “timely reminder” of what should and should not be disposed of via household plumbing.
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