Six Dogs Die in Schiedam After Suspected Poisoning, Municipality Says

Six Dogs Die and Municipalities Expand Soil Removal Following Schiedam Poisoning Scare

Six dogs have died and another has been reported as seriously ill following a series of incidents in Schiedam involving suspected poisoning, according to the local municipality. Local outlets nrc.nl and Heart of the Netherlands report that the victims all exhibited identical symptoms, including violent vomiting and heavy bleeding from the anus, before dying or requiring euthanasia by veterinary staff.

Municipal Soil Removal and Prevention Efforts Across Schiedam

The municipal response widened significantly after initial investigations focused on a newly planted rose garden inside the oldest city park in the Netherlands. Heart of the Netherlands reported that the municipality ordered soil excavation at three additional sites—the Bachplein, Daltonstraat, and Van Ruijsdaellaan—because contractors had sourced earth from the exact same supplier used for De Plantage’s rosarium. While preliminary speculation by residents pointed toward discarded drugs, rat poison, or toxic Death Cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides), municipal authorities have not yet confirmed an official cause of death for any of the animals. Stichting Regeling Handelspotgronden is currently testing soil samples for pesticide residues, fungi, and other contaminants. The municipality emphasized that the soil removal is a preventive measure.

Grief and Financial Reimbursements for Affected Pet Owners

In response to the tragedy, the Schiedam city council announced it would cover all veterinary expenses linked to the illnesses, noting in a letter to residents that pets form a dear part of the family. The council stated they hope this gesture provides support, though it naturally cannot take away your grief. Meanwhile, local dog owners like Margi Geerlinks and Iris Vuyk—whose 10-month-old Bully, Macy, died after walking near Schiedam-Noord—spoke to reporters about the ongoing trauma. Iris, who walked Macy at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, before the dog fell ill, described the experience as a nightmare you cannot escape. After Macy began vomiting, Iris noted she saw clear remains of a mushroom in the animal’s vomit. Iris was advised to take Macy to the Evidensia animal hospital in Barendrecht, where the dog was eventually euthanized following intensive care.

Geerlinks, who first warned fellow owners on September 25 after hearing of the death of a neighbor’s dog, Buddy, expressed the community’s lingering fear: It will take time before we dare to trust our city park again. The municipality has explicitly advised residents to keep dogs leashed and prevent them from scavenging on public grass until laboratory test results are finalized.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Schiedam Dog Poisoning Investigation

Which locations in Schiedam are affected by the soil removal?

The municipality has removed soil from park De Plantage, the Bachplein, the Daltonstraat, and the Van Ruijsdaellaan after tracing earth from a shared supplier.

Have the official test results confirmed the cause of death?

No, the official cause of death remains unconfirmed. Stichting Regeling Handelspotgronden is analyzing soil samples for pesticides and fungal spores, and police have not yet released definitive findings.

What specific symptoms did the impacted dogs display?

Affected animals suffered from violent vomiting and heavy bleeding from the anus.