CARA’S FISH HOOK ORDEAL
MOST dogs are hooked on running around at the beach.
But border collie cross Cara was literally hooked during a walk to Jan Juc beach at the weekend.
The three-year-old was out for a walk with owner Chris Kemp and seven-month-old Mila when she sniffed out some angling leftovers.
“I was walking along Jan Juc beach just after sunrise on Saturday morning, when Cara stopped to smell some seaweed close to where some fishermen had just packed up,” he said.
“The next moment she was tangled up with a baited fishing hook in her mouth and the line connected to a bunch of seaweed. They’d cut the line and left a baited hook behind connected to the seaweed.”
Cara woofed down the bait — hook and all — and found herself stuck to the seaweed via the fishing line.
A woman came to Cara’s aid as Mr Kemp attempted to untangle the line from his pooch, although it was unknown if a hook was actually attached to the line at the time.
“The line went loose and we could see she swallowed it,” he said. “We weren’t certain she had swallowed a hook but she had a cough so we took her to the vet.”
An X-ray clearly showed a hook stuck inside Cara’s neck. A general anaesthetic and $2000 in vet bills later, Cara was given to the all-clear to go home — almost 10 hours after her morning walk.
A number of beach walkers at Jan Juc have reported seeing an increase in fishing hooks, with one the size of a child’s hand found on Wednesday.
Mr Kemp implored anglers to take time to ensure they were taking all tackle home.
“I’d like to see both fishermen and dog owners using the beach to leave it as pristine as they found it to ensure that we continue to enjoy that privilege,” he said.
“Jan Juc is a naturally beautiful beach where locals and visitors can enjoy both fishing and walking dogs off lead.
“I wouldn’t wish our experience on Saturday upon anyone,” he said.