A beloved black Labrador named Frida has tragically died after eating contaminated grass dumped in Richmond Park, Solihull, leaving her owners with an £8,000 veterinary bill.
Rapid Deterioration After Contact with Grass
The dog became severely ill just two days after coming into contact with large mounds of grass cuttings that had been left in the park since May 16. Another dog, Lottie, also fell seriously ill from the same grass and required emergency surgery to treat an infection.
Louise Baker, who regularly walked with the dogs' owners, described Frida's rapid deterioration. "She was constantly sick. It was constant, I think she vomited 11 times in one night," she told BirminghamLive.
Frida's Final Hours
The dog was rushed to vets via animal ambulance but suffered a blood clot and died at 6.30am on June 21. Frida's owners, both named Lauren, are devastated by the loss of their first dog.
Council Investigation and Unauthorised Dumping
Solihull Council confirmed the grass cuttings were dumped by a third party, not by council contractors. Council officers have investigated and described the piles as "unauthorised dumping of grass cuttings."
Financial Impact and Community Response
The family faces an £8,000 vet bill after their pet insurance only covered £2,000. A fundraising campaign has been launched to help with the costs, while the walking group has removed the dangerous grass to prevent further tragedies.
