Pets at risk due to sewage dumped into rivers, MP says

The discharge of sewage into rivers by Thames Water is putting the lives of people's pets at risk, an MP has said.

Layla Moran, the Lib Dem MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, made the comments during a debate in parliament.

She said a number of constituents had been in touch with her to say they are worried about their pets going into rivers.

The company said it regards all discharges as "unacceptable".

Ms Moran said: "Local residents across Oxfordshire are fed up with seeing raw sewage in our rivers, worrying about their pets and children getting ill, all while Thames Water are planning to hike water bills."

She also referenced one constituent, whose "much-loved greyhound" had died and who had been told by a vet that contaminated water could not be ruled out as the cause of death.

Thames Water is currently failing to meet its commitments to customers on eight of the 12 common performance metrics, according to Water Minister Robbie Moore.

"Thames Water's performance is completely unacceptable and they must take urgent steps to turn this around," he said.

He also said he wanted to reassure people "the government and regulators will take robust action on pollution instances".

The minister said a criminal investigation into sewage discharges is currently underway at Witney Sewage Treatment Works.

Thames Water said it regards all discharges as "unacceptable" and has published plans to upgrade more than 250 of its sewage treatment works and sewers - including at its Witney site.

It added that it was important to remember pollutants, animal faeces and run off from farms and roads can also contribute to hazards found in watercourses.

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