A GERMAN Shepard required emergency surgery after swallowing a fishing hook while on a walk in a Newton Abbot park.

It was during his everyday walk at Bakers Park when three-year-old Douglas swallowed a discarded fishing hook attached to a line.

The fishing hook had ham attached to it, which enticed him to ingest it.

It is alleged that it was thrown on the ground by a group of children from a community of travellers, though there is no evidence of this.

Douglas’ owner, Joe, says he was approached by some teenagers in the park shortly before the incident occurred and he believes they were trying to distract him to steal his phone.

Douglas was rushed to the vets in Totnes- MiNightVet - where X-rays confirmed the fishing hook had been ingested and required immediate surgical removal.

He is currently recovering from surgery, and his owners are hopeful he'll make a full recovery.

‘This has been hugely distressing and an entirely avoidable situation’ said Joe.

‘We want to raise awareness among other pet owners to be extra vigilant when walking their dogs at the moment in Bakers Park’ added Joe.

‘Douglas is usually such a happy confident dog and its been really traumatic for him’ said Joe.

We are so grateful to the vets in Totnes for the quick action and treatment, as if it had gone into his intestine it would have been fatal’ added Joe.

The emergency treatment has cost thousands of pounds, to be covered largely by pet insurance.

Both Devon & Cornwall Police and Teignbridge District Council have been made aware of the situation, the Mid-Devon Advertiser understands.

Pet owners are reminded to report any dangerous waste or anti-social behaviour to local authorities to help ensure the safety of both animals and residents.