The incident highlights the need for increased awareness and responsible fishing practices in public spaces.
In a heart-stopping incident, a Sydney couple was forced to rush their rescue dog, Ripley, to the vet after the dog ingested a discarded fishing hook. The couple, Wendy Coombes and her partner, were picking up discarded fishing lines and rubbish in Yarranabbe Park in Rushcutters Bay when the unthinkable happened. Ripley, unaware of the danger, swallowed the hook, which was lodged in his throat. Coombes’ vigilance paid off, as she immediately opened Ripley’s mouth and discovered the hook. However, she was unable to remove it, and her partner, who works as a vet, also tried but was unsuccessful. The dog was taken for an X-ray and underwent an emergency surgery, which cost almost $5000. Close call, indeed. The couple was shaken, but fortunately, the emergency surgery was a success, and Ripley was saved.
“We were very lucky, he was very lucky,”
Coombes said. Her partner added, “They told me they see this all the time. Sometimes, especially on a Sunday, they have dogs lined up.” Coombes realized that awareness was needed to prevent such incidents in the future.
- Coombes started a Change.org petition to raise awareness and push for the installation of hook and line bins and anti-littering signs at prominent fishing spots in the area.
- The petition gained traction, and Woollahra Municipal Council acknowledged it during a council meeting.
- The council confirmed that they would install educational signage at prominent fishing locations in the area.
| Key Takeaways | Actions |
|---|---|
| Discarded fishing gear can be deadly | Install hook and line bins and anti-littering signs at prominent fishing spots |
| Ripley’s surgery cost almost $5000 | Responsible fishing practices are crucial |
Coombes’ story serves as a reminder that discarded fishing gear can be a significant threat to both humans and animals in public spaces. The incident highlights the need for increased awareness and responsible fishing practices. Other pets have also been affected by discarded fishing gear, as reported by residents who have caught their dogs with hooks in their mouths. One resident said, “I managed to hold his mouth open and use the fisherman’s pliers to remove the stuck hook as it was lodged in his gum.” Another resident shared a similar story, stating that her pet spent 24 hours in an emergency vet with a hook and fishing line inside of him. Coombes’ campaign has sparked a response from the Woollahra Municipal Council, who acknowledged the petition and confirmed that they would install educational signage at prominent fishing locations in the area. Coombes’ message is clear: “Fish responsibly, enjoy the harbour side but please keep in mind it’s a shared space. Kids and dogs also want to be safe in that environment.”
A message from Wendy Coombes
“I’m always very vigilant about the situation there, because I have seen other dogs pick up hooks. I opened his mouth and I could see the hook in the back of his throat.
