The owners of a dog which had to be rushed for surgery after swallowing a fish hook are warning others to be vigilant.

Doug Ingram had taken his miniature schnauzers George and Albert along the Minster Leas when the incident happened.

Two-year-old George was on the beach when Mr Ingram noticed something hanging from his pet’s mouth.

He rushed over and realised it was fishing line, which he held on to, to try to stop the hook being eaten, but it was too late.

George was taken to Wellpets in Minster where an X-ray was carried out and staff then referred the dog for emergency surgery at the out-of-hours veterinary hospital at Newnham Court in Maidstone.

They were able to operate and remove the 5.5cm long hook – and also found coins in the stomach to the value of £3.06.

These had shown up on the x-ray and there were fears it could be a float from the hook.

Mr Ingram’s wife Vicky, of Uplands Way, Halfway, said it was heartbreaking to watch Albert pining for George all because of someone’s stupidity.

“We want to make other dog walkers aware about this and that they should be bloody careful,” she said.

“People are being inconsiderate and lazy and not clearing up after themselves and spoiling it for everyone.

“It could have been horrendous.”

She said Wellpets were absolutely brilliant and also thanked the person who helped her husband with Albert while he was dealing with George.

Regional manager at Wellpets Vicki Smith said she had seen numerous animals, especially birds, injured by fish hooks.

“George was quite lucky as it definitely could have been lethal if it had pierced his oesophagus or stomach,” she said.

“The Leas is a really nice dog walking area and it’s unfair if people don’t clear up after themselves.”

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