Bursledon: Dog's claw ripped off by loose manhole cover

Ashli Burt, aged 28, was walking her dog Dexter, a four-year-old rescue, in Sycamore Close, Bursledon, when he unfortunately stepped on a loose manhole cover belonging to Virgin Media.

Dexter's claw on his back left foot became stuck in the gap and ripped off when he took a step.

Owner Ashli says there was "blood everywhere" and had to rush Dexter, who is a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Dachshund, home and then immediately to the vet.

The loose and wobbly drain (Image: Ashli Burt)

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Now, Ashli is hoping that Virgin Media, which is responsible for the manhole cover, will take responsibility by fixing it.

Ashli said: "It was pure panic. He is actually quite hardy, he doesn't react like that hardly ever.

"I honestly thought he had broken a bone.

"To say I'm angry would be an understatement.

"We had just started our walk, got to the bottom of the road, and that happened. He screamed. I had never heard a noise like it. He really, really screamed.

"I thought maybe he had stepped on something, so I checked his paw, but there was blood everywhere, and I could not see what was wrong."

The damage to Dexter's claw (Image: Ashli Burt)

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The damage was so severe that Dexter's claw was pointing in the wrong direction. 

The vet said that the claw's "quick", a soft pink part with nerves and blood vessels at the base of the nail, was exposed.

The vet's bill was £50, which Ashli is hoping Virgin will compensate her.

Despite her best efforts, Ashli says she has been ignored by the company's own communication channels.

The manhole cover (Image: Ashli Burt)

"As a company, they are not taking any responsibility for their actions," said Ashli.

"The cover is so loose it's a hazard to other animals and children. Not to mention the tripping hazard it causes.

"I have been completely ignored (by Virgin Media) and I am furious.

"It should not be this difficult to complain about a drain cover. I have tried to be reasonable, but it is taking the mick now."

Ashli, who has had Dexter for three and a half years, believes that the manhole cover likely became damaged over time by vehicles parked atop it, as the frame has been warped.

Dexter has made some recovery since this incident, and has begun to enjoy walks with his owner again.

In a statement provided to the Echo on March 31, a Virgin Media spokesperson said: “Engineers have visited the site and completed works to ensure the manhole cover is repaired and safe. A member of our team has been in touch with Ms Burt directly to apologise and is working to support her.”