Angler's dog plea to prevent fish hook accidents

Labradoodle Stanley recently got a fish hook stuck in his mouth while on Hornsea beach

Dog walkers are being asked to keep their pets on leads around anglers to stop accidents involving fish hooks being swallowed.

Angler William Walker, who fishes across East Yorkshire, wants more signs on "every entrance point to the beach" to warn people that fishing items could be accidentally left behind.

Ricardo Silva, from Aldgate Veterinary Practice in Bridlington, said he had seen two cases this year of fish hooks, one stuck in a dog's lip and one that had been swallowed.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: "Minimising litter is essential to preserving the natural beauty of the area and ensuring a positive experience for all visitors."

An X-ray shows a fish hook lodged inside a dog's stomach

Mr Silva said treatment for fish hook accidents could be costly for dog owners, adding: "Because we live in a coastal town it's just something that we witness on a fairly regular basis."

Stanley, a four-year-old labradoodle, got a hook caught in his mouth while on a walk on Hornsea beach.

Owner Steve Lockett, who lives in the town, said: "It glinted in the sun as I was going to him.

"The first thing was panic. Don't let him swallow it. Get hold of him. Pull it out."

He said fishermen needed to make sure they do not leave items behind.

However, Mr Walker said: "If there is a discard, it's usually accidental.

"There are not many anglers who won't try and retrieve a snap off because it's an expensive hobby."

He said he would like to see more dedicated fish hook disposal cylinders on the beach closer to where anglers are because he thinks it would encourage them to use them.

"Having two of them on a stretch of beach which is probably five miles (8km) long or thereabouts is just not enough," he added.

Mr Walker said he wanted more fish hook disposal cylinders closer to where anglers use the beach

The RSPCA said there were 2,199 incidents relating to animals affected by litter in 2024, with 751 of them angling litter, such as fishing lines and hooks.

A council spokesperson added: "We've placed bins along the promenade and kindly ask all beachgoers to dispose of their waste responsibly by either using one of the bins provided or taking their waste home with them.''

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices