A 22-WEEK-OLD puppy got a nasty shock when a barbed fishing hook got caught in his cheek after he played with some discarded fishing wire that was carelessly left on a Coate Water path.

His concerned owner Emma Eeke was horrified when she noticed the translucent wire in her Staffie/chihuahua cross Sa9e's mouth during her walk on the tarmac by the lake on Saturday evening.

The wire had a weight and hook attached to it and the hook went in Poppy’s mouth and pierced the fleshy inside of his cheek by his back teeth.

Emma said: “Someone had left a big pile of wires and fishing hooks on the path, you don’t expect to find sharp objects like that there.

“He was quite happy until I tried to take the hook out, it would have been much easier to remove if it hadn’t been barbed.”

Emma couldn’t afford to take him to the overnight vets, which she claimed would have cost hundreds of pounds, so she slept by him at home that night to keep an eye on her injured pet.

She visited Drove Vets on Sunday morning and the hook was removed after a quick and not-too-costly procedure which relieved her poor puppy Poppy’s pain.

She added: “He kept trying to chew one of his toys and didn’t understand why he couldn’t, he was confused, .

“The vet said there was no infection in the wound and that Poppy was very lucky.

“I don’t know what I would have done without Drove Vets, I’m out of pocket but at least he’s safe.

"He’s been a good boy.”

Fishing is permitted in parts of Coate Water but barbed fishing hooks are banned in order to prevent exactly this sort of situation from occurring.

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said: “Anglers are only permitted to use barbless hooks when fishing at Coate Water and we ask that all discarded lines or hooks are not left by the side of the lake.

“Our rangers conduct a daily fishing check to remind fishermen of the rules of the lake and we also patrol the lake to ensure all fishing-related debris is removed.

"Unfortunately, the dog in this case found the hook and line before our rangers.”

Emma was pleased to report that Sa9e’s recovered remarkably from his internal injury.

The 43-year-old from Park South added: “He was really shaky on Sunday but he’s bounced back to normal.

“He’s happy, he’s had a new toy and a new bone, though he’s very cautious with what he puts in his mouth now. “

The experience has had a lasting effect on both pet and owner.

Emma is now fearful that this dangerous littering could become a recurring problem at the park and put other puppies and park life in peril.

She said:“The wardens at Coate Water have been really supportive and helpful but I’m worried for the other animals there.

“It’s put me off going there to be honest, I’m scared to go back.

"What if it happens again?

“What if it had gone in his throat?

"I may have had to have him put down and he’s only a puppy."