THE RSPCA is urging dog owners to keep their pets away from the water at Shakerley Mere following water birds becoming ill.

Five poorly geese have been rescued from the water at the Cheshire beauty spot over the last three evenings and a team from the RSPCA will be attending the area today looking for others.

The RSPCA Crewe, Nantwich and District branch said: "Please don’t let your dog enter or drink the water.

"There’s currently an issue which is killing the water birds.

"Five very poorly geese have been rescued there over the last three evenings - possibly botulism but could be blue-green algae.

"Members of the national RSPCA water rescue team will be attending today searching for other sick birds.

"Hopefully the Environment Agency will be attending to test the water.

"Please be careful and keep eye out for sick birds.

"If seen, don’t touch, but call 0300 1234 999."