05/05/2025
Update**As per Nelson City Council update, great news, it is safe to resume using this area again. Thanks NCC!
Urgent warning for pet owners in this area or who use this area. Please keep an eye on Nelson City Council page for updates and avoid exercising your dog in this area. Contact us for health concerns on 03 547 7891
❗️ FURTHER UPDATE: Tuesday 6 May
Statement from Hilary Aikman Director Terrestrial Biodiversity DOC.
DOC scientists used a drone as part of a trial on a small area of mudflats at Wakapuaka sandflats. They used non-toxic pellets for this research, dyed blue to make them easier to see. Once the pellets were laid out, a drone was used to photograph the area where the pellets lay, to quantify pellet detection rates.
We would like to apologise to Nelson City Council and members of the public, particularly dog owners for the concern this caused. We acknowledge the non-toxic pellets should have been removed on the day of the trial and we made an error in judgement by leaving them there. These pellets are not poisonous, and today our team is removing any pellets remaining on the ground.
❗️ UPDATE: Tuesday 6 May. This issue is now resolved. The area is safe for recreational users and dog walkers.
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🚨 URGENT NOTICE FOR DOG OWNERS
⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT WALK DOGS AT WAKAPUAKA SANDFLATS
Poisonous pellets have been found in the Wakapuaka Sandflat area. These are blue or green pellets and are highly toxic to animals and humans.
Contractors are currently on site removing these hazards, and warning signage is being installed.
For your safety, please:
• Avoid the area completely until further notice
• Share this message with other dog owners
• Please report any further suspicious finds to customer services or via the antenna app - 546 0200
• Please do not touch these pellets
If you suspect your dog has ingested anything suspicious, please seek IMMEDIATE veterinary attention.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our community safe.