Dog Owner Blasts Southern Water After Beloved Great Dane Dies
David Arthur, 59, has been left heartbroken after his 13-month-old Great Dane, Odin, was put to sleep following a £6,000 battle with vets. The darling dog suffered fatal lung damage from pneumonia, which David believes was caused by polluted sea water.
Odin’s Daily Swim Turns Deadly
The Cowplain resident said Odin, a strong and healthy dog who loved swimming every day at Hayling Island beach, was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia — an infection caused by inhaling foreign matter like sea water. Vets were baffled, saying they’d “never seen anything like it.”
“Odin was the strongest dog we’ve had in 40 years,” said David. “We think pollution got into his lungs and caused the infection. Other dogs have fallen ill there too.”
One smaller dog caught the same infection but survived. Odin’s massive lungs just couldn’t cope as the pneumonia worsened to bronchial pneumonia.
Pollution Scandal and Refused Compensation
David linked Odin’s death to ongoing pollution issues at Langstone Harbour, where last year raw sewage was dumped into the sea — sparking public fury. Despite complaining, David was offered a mere £500 ‘goodwill gesture’ by Southern Water, which he rejected.
“After sending proof of Odin’s aspiration pneumonia, Southern Water said sorry but only offered £500. Our vet bills reached £6,000 — nowhere near close.”
A Southern Water spokesman denied responsibility, stating Hayling’s beaches have “excellent” water quality based on Environment Agency tests.
Local Outrage and Warnings Continue
Locals remain furious. Joanne Thomas, Hayling West councillor, says she’s “inundated” with complaints about sewage in the harbour. Kitesurfers and swimmers report falling ill regularly after exposure to polluted waters.
Hayling Sewage Watch collected over 2,000 signatures demanding action. The Environment Agency even issued warnings last October after sanitary products and wipes were found littering the beach.
Veterinary experts warn dogs are at risk of aspiration pneumonia from swimming, especially in rough or polluted waters.
British Veterinary Association president Justine Shotton advises, “Keep dogs out of the sea on rough days to prevent seawater inhalation.”
Southern Water’s Response
Southern Water maintains their beaches boast some of the highest water quality in the UK. They say storm sewage releases are necessary to prevent flooding but promise to reduce these by 80% by 2030.
The spokesman added, “We cannot say how Odin contracted pneumonia but offered £500 as goodwill. We always go above and beyond for our customers.”
David Arthur’s devastating loss highlights ongoing concerns over pollution and public safety at Hayling Island’s beaches — and the growing frustration with Southern Water’s handling of sewage problems.
