DOG walkers are being warned to be vigilant after rancid balls of fat - which could prove fatal to canines - washed up on Minehead beach.

One pet has already died after eating the substance in Wales, while scores of others have had to have veterinary treatment in coastal areas throughout the South West.

Now West Somerset Council has put up warning signs at the main pedestrian entrances to the beach in Minehead after the decaying fat washed ashore.

It is still not known where the substance has come from but it can have a paraffin-type smell and tends to wash up in white lumps which look like polystyrene.

It is believed to be a decaying vegetable fat and is particularly poisonous to miniature schnauzer dogs.

Minehead's White Lodge Veterinary Clinic has already taken steps to inform all schnauzer owners on their books and is advising pet owners to avoid the beach for the time being.

A spokesman for the district council said: "If a member of the public does come across a white chemical-like substance on the beach with a paraffin-like smell it is suggested they report this to either West Somerset Council on 01643 703704 or the Environment Agency on 0800807060."

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said a dog walker had reported finding some fat along the tide line.

However, it was not known how much of the substance had washed ashore, although officers had checked the beach and been unable to find any trace of it.