Litter louts slammed as pet dog chokes on rubbish left near loch

The business owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, blasted careless litter bugs after she had to remove two massive bones from her six-year-old black Labrador Parker.

The woman was out for an early morning walk when the drama unfolded.

She told the Reporter: “I like to take an early walk with my dog because nobody is around and the banks of Loch Lomond are one of my favourite places to walk with him because the views are always amazing.”

The local businesswoman became alarmed when she noticed her furry friend was choking on something that he had appeared to find in the grass in a public area near the Duck Bay Hotel.

She raced into action and forced open his mouth to remove the bones lodged in his throat.

She told the Reporter: “It was more of a shock than anything. I can only imagine the damage that the bones could have done internally if he had managed to swallow them.”

The woman said is concerned about the behaviour of some people during lockdown and how it will affect those most vulnerable.

She added: “During a pandemic it is absolutely unforgivable the way people are behaving. They should really think about the children and animals that are walking around these areas.”

However, this is not the first incident she has had with her dog Parker. A few years ago, the dog cut its paw on a large piece of broken glass that was left on the pavement near the bins.

The dog owner is now calling for people to behave responsibly to help prevent this incident happening again.

She also describes how she had to help a council worker to clean seven disposable barbecues and debris after they were abandoned.

She said: “He was trying his hardest to get the rubbish cleared as quickly as possible, but not enough is being done. I thanked him for the work he was doing because it isn’t an easy task.

“The simple message is if there isn’t enough room in the bins, then take your rubbish home.”

A spokesperson for the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park A spokesperson for Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority said: “We completely share the frustrations of local communities and responsible visitors who have to see the beautiful area of the National Park being ruined by litter.

“While this is not an entirely new problem, the move out of lockdown has seen large numbers of people disregarding guidance by heading to beauty spots, often leaving behind huge amounts of litter and waste.

"Littering is not acceptable anywhere, least of all in a scenic area like a National Park, where people come to enjoy the landscapes and nature.

“While we are not responsible for all litter collections around the National Park we do work closely with our local authority partners to coordinate increased litter collections at key areas, particularly at weekends. We know they share our frustrations too.

“We are spending a significant amount of time collecting litter each week and will continue to do so. However, it is incredibly frustrating to have to do this for a completely avoidable problem.

“If everyone simply used the bins provided, or if they are full, took all of their litter home with them, our staff and others’ wouldn't have to spend hours picking it up and instead be able to work on other tasks associated with getting sites ready for visitors.

“We know people come here because they love the place, so we’re appealing to everyone that if you love the National Park please respect it and take your litter home.”

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson added: “That anyone would choose to leave litter anywhere is shameful, particularly when it puts beloved pets or wildlife at risk.

"Bins are emptied frequently, but in good weather and on holidays they can fill up fast.

"When that is the case, people should take their litter away with them.

"In no circumstances is it acceptable to leave rubbish behind.”