‘Immediate Sweep’ After Dog Steps On Used Needle In Park

Harborough District Council say an ‘immediate sweep’ of a Market Harborough park has been carried out after a dog stepped on a used needle.

Poppy, an eight-month-old Cocker Spaniel, was rushed to vets after it got lodged in her paw at Symington’s Recreation Ground on Wednesday.

A Harborough District council spokesperson told HFM: “This is a regrettable incident that the council is sad to hear about.

“We have carried out an immediate sweep of the area to make sure it is safe for the public.

“We will remove any needles found on publicly accessible land as a priority.

“We urge people not to touch needles if they find one and report details to us at: environmentalservices@harborough.gov.uk”

Poppy

The needle was removed by a vet and Poppy given pain relief, with the hope the incident will have no long-lasting effects on the animal.

Her owner Anna Bywater wanted to warn others about what happened and said: “She trod on a used needle used for drugs that was in the grass on the main field.

“The needle went right into her foot causing awful pain and panic for her. We had to go straight to the out of hours vets who removed the needle, it was huge and could have caused serious damage.

“Just wanted to give other owners a heads-up.”

Symington’s Recreation Ground