Officials test local lake water after reports of dog deaths

BELTON, Texas (KWTX) - Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are investigating Lake Belton for any harmful substances following reports of dogs dying after visiting the lake.

Officials said there is no indication of harmful algae bloom after an initial visual survey of the lake and shoreline, but further testing will be done to determine if the water is harmful to people or animals.

Until the investigation is complete, the USACE is advising people to keep their dogs leashed and prevent the animals from entering or drinking water from the lake.

For Delaney Presley, the warning comes too late after her six-month old dog died Sunday.

She says she brought her dog Koda to Lake Belton multiple times to play in the water. He often drank the water but never fully submerged.

During her visit Sunday she says everything seemed normal until they were starting to leave.

“He started to lose his balance a little and then he just face planted into the concrete and started having a seizure,” Presley said.

Her and her boyfriend drove him to an the Animal Emergency Clinic just 11 minutes away, but she says he died after they arrived.

Presley says the veterinarian told her Koda was the third dog to die at their clinic after visiting the lake this weekend.

They told her his cause of death was from something entering his blood stream.

Officials with the emergency clinic weren’t immediately available for comment.

Once Presley heard about other dogs having similar reactions, Presley posted to Facebook hoping to warn others in the community.

“Its really horrible to see that happen to your dog and not be able to help them,” Presley said.

“Personally didn’t know that that was a danger at the lake or I wouldn’t have taken him.”

Posts about her experience were shared hundreds of times.

If you have questions regarding the situation, call the Belton Lake office at 254-939-2461.

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