A PARKSTONE dog owner has criticised an 'irresponsible' fisherman who left a baited hook on a beach which left her pet needing £1,000 of veterinary care.

Annette Oakley-Prior, 50, was walking her one-year-old Boston Terrier, Flossie, along Branksome Chine Beach with friend, Karen, when the dog picked up something in the sand in the area where she had seen a fisherman sitting. When she looked closer, Flossie had some fishing line hanging from her mouth and Annette soon realised that the dog had swallowed it.

She said: "We saw the fisherman chuck the bait on the floor and there were some fishing hooks in that.

"I was panicked. I didn't know what she had swallowed and whether or not it was in her oesophagus or her stomach."

Annette and friend, Karen, rushed Flossie to Hillside Veterinary Centre, where the dog had an x-ray and was subsequently operated on.

"I think it's just irresponsible. I don't think that she would have picked it up if it hadn't have been baited. It was just complete carelessness."

Asked how the dog is now, she said: "Flossie is okay now, but it's definitely made me more aware in the future."

Jade Douglas, who treated Flossie at Hillside Veterinary Centre, said that she was 'horrified' when she saw the fishing line hanging from the dog's mouth.

She added: "It's one of those thing that you never want to happen. It's very distressing for the dog and his owner.

"It's an avoidable thing with the fishing line and hook. Potentially, it is a very serious thing, but prompt action by the owner bringing the dog in meant that she was back home to recover within a couple of days."

She said that a nylon line is 'probably the most dangerous thing that a dog can swallow', as it can wrap around the dog's insides.

"It has also cost the owners the best part of £1,000, although they will get that back on their insurance, as well as affecting the welfare of the dog."

Anthony Rogers, recreation and community manager for Borough of Poole, said: "We were concerned to hear of this unfortunate incident and are pleased to hear that the dog is okay.

"Sea and shore fishing are extremely popular activities in Dorset and we encourage all anglers using Poole’s beaches to fish responsibly and ensure any waste products are placed in the refuse bins provided."