Bridge of Weir Angling Club members said 400 dead fish have been discovered in the River Gryffe between Bridge of Weir and Crosslee.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency has been called in to probe the problem and are continuing to investigate the deaths.

But residents are worried the water could have health implications for their pets as it is a popular area for dogs to swim.

Claire Gordon, of Crosslee, Houston, contacted The Gazette to express her fears after her two dogs developed infections following a dip in the water.

The 44-year-old said: “My daughter was out taking the dogs a walk about two weeks ago and found a poor salmon completely washed up and lying dead in the water.

“The fish was absolutely covered in fungus — it’s terrible and I now fear for my dogs because they have been drinking and playing in this river at Crosslee.

“I have two Staffordshire bull terriers and one has developed an eye infection and one also has an ear infection since then.

“To be honest I have no idea if it’s just coincidence but it’s still a concern.

“My dogs are very hardy but who knows what risks it could put smaller dogs at.” Residents have also complained of a ‘foul stench’ coming from the murky brown water.

Bridge of Weir Angling Club president John Blair said: “There are an awful lot of dead fish.

“They seem to have some sort of infection and have what look like acid burns.

“We don’t know what has caused it — but it could be pollution from a burn.

“The water is clear so it is possible they are bringing this in from the sea.

“But there is nothing like this at the nearby River Cart at Johnstone.

He added: “I’ve never seen anything like it before, not on this scale.” SEPA said investigations were continuing into the salmon deaths.