Dog owners warned over poisonous plant on beaches
Dog owners have been warned to avoid some beaches in north Cornwall following reports of washed up hemlock roots and reports of pets becoming "very unwell".
The plant, which is often mistaken for parsnip due to its appearance, is poisonous to animals including dogs.
Cornwall Council said sightings of the roots had been reported on Fistral and Little Fistral beaches in Newquay.
A council spokesperson said: "As a precaution, we're putting up signs urging dog owners to be vigilant and keep pets on a lead."
'Avoid area'
They added: "They look and smell like parsnips and can be poisonous to animals.
"The roots are often washed down from riverbanks during the winter."
Newquay Town Council said it had received "a number of calls and messages" about dogs becoming "very unwell" after visiting the Fistral and Little Fistral area.
In a post on Facebook, a town council statement said: "We'd advise avoiding that area with your dogs."
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