A DOG owner has issued a plea to anglers to keep their bait covered and clear up after themselves after her Labrador swallowed a fishing hook.

Ann Rowan said it was the third time that her nine-year-old Labrador, Willow, had been injured by a hook while walking along the Wye Valley Walk, near to the River Wye, in Breinton.

Last week, the dog narrowly avoided being seriously hurt after swallowing a hook which vets subsequently discovered in his larynx, right at the top of the oesophagus.

Ann is now calling for anglers to be aware of the risks their equipment can pose to animals and wildlife.

She said: "He has had two before this. It's the third time along the river bank. My other dog had it just below the eye. They could have been much more serious.

"I would just ask anglers to clear up after themselves including the hooks and anything dangerous and keep the bait covered.

"They might argue, and I understand to some extent, don't let the dogs down, keep them under control, but I think somehow we have to find a way of working together."

She added that equipment like hooks also pose a risk to other animals living in or near the river such as ducks.

A spokesman for Herefordshire Council said: “Herefordshire Council, working in partnership with Balfour Beatty Living Places, strongly encourages all users to dispose of their litter appropriately when using the path at Breinton, which is a public right of way and part of the Wye Valley Walk.

"In areas where anglers are present, we urge dog owners to take extra care."

Members of the public can report litter problems online at https://myaccount.herefordshire.gov.uk/report-litter