A SOUTHAMPTON couple are calling on councils to stop putting up new barbed wire fences after their dog suffered serious injuries.

Maria and Paul Woods are calling for a ban on the erection of new barbed wire fences after their four-year-old Labrador, Fifi, suffered a serious puncture wound to her leg while walking in Mayfield Park.

The couple want councils to stop installing barbed wire fences before more animals are injured.

Mrs Woods said: “Fifi is fortunate as she has a wonderful vet which we take her to.

“Not so fortunate, though, are the beautiful wild life that we enjoy at the park eg deer, sea birds, owls, birds of prey.

“Are they just going to get impaled or bleed to death?

“What a shameful act to commemorate the 100 years since the Armistice when so many brave men and animals were also maimed by barbed wire.”

Fifi, needed two operations to repair sliced tendons, which cost a total of £1,400.

 

Vets have advised dog walkers to keep their pets on leads when walking near barbed wire.

PDSA vet Rebecca Ashman said: “Sadly it’s not uncommon for vets to see injuries to pets’ paws and legs that they have suffered while out on walks.

“Unfortunately items such as barbed wire, broken glass, sharp metal and other dumped rubbish can all pose a risk to our pets.

“It’s a good idea to keep your pet on a lead in areas where you aren’t sure of potential hazards underfoot.

“If your pet does get injured, always contact your vet straight away for advice.”

Out of 15,538 animals admitted to the RSPCA wildlife centres this year, 35 had been hurt by wire.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “The RSPCA encourages members of the public to take extra care when installing or repairing fencing and we urge people not to use barbed wire where animals may become trapped and suffer.

 

“We recommend having fencing professionally installed and to check it regularly for any wild animals that may have become trapped.”

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said the authority only used barbed wire fencing to protect allotments.

He said: “Southampton City Council does not install barbed wire in any locations other than above allotment fences.

“This is for security purposes and, in these instances, we ensure the barbed wire is kept away from members of the general public who may be walking in the near vicinity.

“Stock fences often have barbed wire strands and, given Mayfield was once home to a manor house with stock fields, it is possible that some fences of this description still remain in the park.

“We are sorry to hear that a dog was injured and would encourage the owners to tell us where the accident occurred so we can investigate further and, if historic barbed wire is present, ensure it is removed.”