DOG OWNERS have been told to be vigilant after a pet got a fishing hook lodged in its cheek due to 'selfish littering by fishermen'. 

Over recent years, dogs across BCP have become victims of fishing hooks left on beaches.

In early October, an animal needed surgery at Priory Vets after getting injured whilst on a walk by the sea, costing the owner more than £200 in medical bills.

The incident happened on October 4 at Southbourne beach.

Kirsten Beverly, founder of Dorset Dog Walking expressed her opinion on the situation. 

She said: “I find it absolutely disgusting that people leave hooks and fishing lines lying about, they clearly have absolutely zero respect for the environment they claim to enjoy.

“These hooks aren't just a danger to dogs, but to children, birds, and other wildlife as well.

“They selfishly seem to believe that once they've finished enjoying the area and gone home then who cares if anyone else's enjoyment or safety is compromised.

“Several times I've come across hooks and lines discarded by rivers.

“I've had a dog in my care get a discarded fishing hook and line stuck in their cheek which required sedation and removal by a vet, all of which caused substantial trauma to the poor dog.”

Nicola Holmwood, the practice manager at Priory Veterinary Group said: “We see problems with dogs picking up fishhooks or line about three or four times each year.

“These are from local areas such as Southbourne Beach and Mudeford Quay. 

“If an owner does see their dog eating a fishhook, or any fishing rubbish that might have a hook in, then our advice would be to bring them straight to their vets.

“The most serious cases are where a hook is swallowed as this then requires an operation to remove it.

“Most recently we saw a case this week of a dog who had eaten some fish and got a fishhook stuck in their cheek. This still required surgery to cut out the barbed hook. 

“We at Priory know that dogs will become mysteriously deaf when being told to leave something nice and smelly and we won't ever judge as we know that accidents can happen.”

In 2021, Izzy, a three-month-old golden retriever woofed down two fishing hooks whilst on a dog walk in Southbourne.

She needed emergency surgery to remove the objects.

If a dog swallows a fishing hook, owners should take their pets to the nearest vet immediately to prevent the risk of infection or further injury.