Vanessa Forbes, a New Brunswick resident, is seeking answers after two of her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels died following a visit to the Small Dog Park at 1500 High St. West in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, on June 26. While the City of Moose Jaw reports that local water samples met safety standards, the incident remains under investigation as the city awaits autopsy results.
During a cross-country road trip to Edmonton, Forbes stopped at the facility to allow her six dogs to exercise. Shortly after entering, she observed her dogs drinking from water containers on the ground. Forbes reported that she quickly emptied the dishes, but soon after, she noticed another park visitor asking if anyone had seen a dog collapse. She soon realized the dog in question was one of her own.
One dog, Valerie, exhibited severe distress, including foaming at the mouth and loss of mobility, and died after being transported to the Moose Jaw Animal Clinic. More than a week later, after returning home to Moncton, Forbes lost a second dog, Buttercup, to veterinary complications related to the incident. Buttercup was pregnant at the time of her death.
City Investigation and Water Testing Results
In response to the incident, the City of Moose Jaw conducted testing on water samples collected from the park on June 26. According to a statement issued by the city on Thursday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Provincial Laboratory confirmed that all 10 samples taken from containers at the parks, as well as a sample from the municipal water supply tap, met Canadian drinking water quality standards.
Despite these findings, the city has maintained the temporary closure of its dog parks. Officials stated they are continuing to review all available information, including pending autopsy results from the deceased animal. The Moose Jaw Animal Clinic, which treated the dogs, has declined to comment on the case.
The City of Moose Jaw confirmed that the water samples tested by the Saskatchewan Health Authority on June 26 met all Canadian drinking water quality standards, yet the facility remains closed to the public pending further investigation.
Financial and Investigative Hurdles
Forbes is currently pursuing independent testing of her dogs’ stomach contents through the Moose Jaw Animal Clinic, though she reports that initial veterinary results have been inconclusive. She has incurred approximately $12,000 in veterinary bills and testing costs since the incident. To manage these expenses, she has launched a GoFundMe page.
The death of multiple animals in a public space, even when standard utility testing returns clear results, creates a significant evidentiary gap for pet owners. The primary challenge in these cases often involves narrowing down potential environmental toxins that are not part of a standard municipal water quality panel, which can lead to the “inconclusive” findings reported by the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Moose Jaw dog parks?
The parks are currently closed to the public while the city reviews information related to the incident, including pending autopsy results.
Did water testing show any contamination?
No. The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Provincial Laboratory found that all 10 samples from the park and the municipal tap met Canadian drinking water quality standards.
What caused the dogs’ deaths?
The cause of death has not been officially determined. Forbes reports that initial veterinary tests were inconclusive, and she is awaiting further results from a special lab analyzing the dogs’ stomach contents.
How can cities better ensure the safety of public pet facilities when initial environmental testing yields no clear answers?
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