Anger after Abergavenny dog poisoned in Castle Meadows
The couple were shocked to discover dog treats laced with fishhooks.
Dog treats laced with fishhooks found in Abergavenny Castle Meadows (Image: Tracey Leake-Jones) Claire told the Argus: "My partner David and I love walking Benson in Castle Meadows, and it was frightening that this could happen.
"Whether it was a careless fisherman or something deliberately put out to harm dogs, we were scared for our dog, but also for all the lovely dogs that walk in the meadows."
Benson's owners Claire Stone and David Seabridge who were shocked to find dog treats laced with fishhooks in Castle Meadows (Image: Claire Stone) The couple said they feel reassured that police are monitoring the area closely.
"We won't let this spoil our dog walks in our beautiful local area," Claire added. "Castle Meadows is a special place for so many people and their pets, and we're determined to continue enjoying it safely."
Benson a Red Labrador who was at risk of fishhooks in Castle Meadows (Image: Claire Stone) A post by Tracey Leake-Jones in the Facebook Abergavenny Voice read: 'Just went to Castle Meadows in Abergavenny to give the dog a good run. A nice couple approached me to say they had found a dog treat with a fishing hook inside it along one of the paths and to be careful. Sure enough, not five minutes after their warning I found another.'
A 'fishhook problem' has been ongoing since March.
Charley Meates, 31, has family in Abergavenny.
She first noticed fishhooks with dog treats back in March whilst walking her Jack Russell Enfys.
Dog treats laced with fishhooks found in Abergavenny Castle Meadows (Image: Charley Meates) In Abergavenny Voice on March 27, she posted: 'I just want to stress that this doesn't seem to be bait. The eyes of the hooks were completely concealed within the middle of the treat, so no way to attach it to a line.
'My dog doesn't like water, and this was in the middle of castle meadows in the grass. Please be careful.'
Shockingly Enfys ingested some of the hooks.
Enfys with her owner Charley Meates (Image: Charley Meates) Charley said: "At first, I thought it was just a stick, but when I realised it was a treat, I immediately took it out of her mouth. It broke as I pulled it out, and she swallowed half of it.
"The hook was completely concealed inside the treat. The eye of the hook was placed in the centre so it couldn't be attached to a fishing line, clearly showing this was intended to cause harm.'
Without hesitation, Charley rushed Enfys to Abbey Vets.
Despite showing no immediate symptoms, X-rays revealed that Enfys had swallowed not one, but two hooks.
Post surgery scars on Enfys a Jack Rusell Terrier who ingested two fishhooks in Castle Meadows (Image: Charley Meates) Charley said: "They immediately rushed her into surgery because there was a high risk of perforation, especially if one of the hooks had already moved into her bowel.'
Fortunately, both hooks were successfully removed during emergency surgery and Enfys recovered well.
Monmouthshire Council have advised residents to keep their dogs on leads and to avoid letting them eat anything found on the ground.
Post surgery scars on Enfys a Jack Rusell Terrier who ingested two fishhooks in Castle Meadows (Image: Charley Meates) A statement from the council said: 'We have received reports that dog treats containing fishing hooks have been placed on the footpaths at Mill Street, Abergavenny, which leads to the River Usk and may also be found in Castle Meadows itself.
'The police are aware of the situation. If you are walking your dog in the area, please exercise caution.'
Inspector Emma Sowrey of Gwent Police said, "Following this report we will be carrying out patrols in the local area, we would encourage dog owners to be vigilant and if anyone has any information, they can contact the local council or ourselves."
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