THE public are being warned to keep well away from a dangerous plant that is growing out of control in parts of Moray.
Giant hogweed – which produces sap that can cause severe chemical burns and even blindness – is said to be “endemic” in areas of Forres.
The warning came after a woman’s pet dog received horrific burns when it came into contact with hogweed while out for a walk around Sanquhar Pond in the town.
A spokesman for Moray Council said last night: “We will carry out an inspection and, if giant hogweed is found on land for which the council is responsible, we will deal with it.”
A vet had to shave the head and neck of the poorly dog after huge boils appeared on its skin. The animal now faces being on steroids for up to 12 months.
Tess Keenan said her 10-year-old terrier’s nose grew to twice its normal size. “Beau also developed boils on her eyelids and in her ears,” she said. “Apparently, giant hogweed is really dangerous – not just to animals but to people as well.
“I didn’t even know what it was before this happened, but now I’m seeing it everywhere. It’s along large parts of the Forres-to-Elgin road, and also growing by the rail tracks.”
The 29-year-old document controller first saw signs that her pet was unwell about 24 hours after visiting the Sanquhar Pond area, which is also popular with children.
She said: “Beau was holding her head in a strange way and looking very sorry for herself.
“When I examined her, she had two cuts on her nose. I couldn’t understand what was the problem and was looking around the house to see how she could have cut herself.
“It wasn’t until the next day that I realised something was really wrong with her.
“I thought she might have had an allergic reaction but the vet pinpointed the problem was to do with giant hogweed.
“Beau has gone from being a bright and friendly little thing to looking like a zombie skinhead.”
Forres Community Council chairman John Bremner knows first-hand how dangerous the plant can be after being burned by it himself.
He said: “It must have been over a decade ago but I still have the marks on my arms.
“They come up again every time the sun is shining.
“Giant hogweed really is endemic here and I would urge people to be very cautious around it.”