Scots country park bosses issue plea against fishing after dog left in agony from eating discarded hooks
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Bosses at a Scots country park have issued a reminder against fishing on the loch there after a dog was left with a gruesome injury after trying to eat discarded fishing hooks left behind by inconsiderate anglers.
Earlier this month, we told how Bam Bam, the 12-year-old Redbone Coonhound-cross, who lives in Mugdock, was left with two hooks stuck in her mouth – one through her gum and one through her lip after she discovered the discarded hooks at Mugdock Country Park, near Milngavie.
Chiefs at the park this week issued a reminder to all visitors.
They said: “Mugdock Loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and to protect its unique environment, fishing is not allowed.
“As well as this, discarded fishhooks cause injury to the animals that live in and visit our park.
“We ask that you please bear this in mind so we can all continue to enjoy and protect the park.”
Bam Bam had been enjoying a walk at Mugdock Country Park, near Milngavie, with owner Ali McDonald when the drama unfolded.
The pair had been walking near Mugdock Loch when Bam Bam discovered two discarded fishing hooks – one of which was still attached to its line and tangled around a tree. The pair of hooks also contained bait, which attracted Bam Bam to its location.
Ali, originally from Glasgow, moved to the Mugdock area from London around five years ago.
She said: “As most dogs would, she tried to eat the bait and ended up with one hook lodged in her gum and the other through her lip. She was attached to the tree by her mouth and of course her natural reaction was to pull away.
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“These hooks are barbed and if you try to pull them out you will rip the flesh and cause even more trauma to the injury. Thankfully I managed to free her from the tree and our brilliant vet immediately whisked her into surgery to remove the hooks.”
In pain and discomfort, Bam Bam was rushed to a veterinary clinic, where she was sedated and staff there put an incision in her gum and lip to remove the hooks.
Now recuperating at home, Bam Bam is on the road to recovery.
“She is fine but it was a distressing experience and shouldn’t have happened”, Ali added.
“If you know anyone who fishes at Mugdock or any of the other parks with water please ask them to act responsibly and not leave dangerous items all over the ground.”
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