Fishing ban floated at Sawmillers Reserve after Trent Zimmerman’s dog almost swallows hook

Fishing would be banned at a popular Sydney Harbour park after a spate of incidents involving stray fishing hooks and dogs – including a pooched owned by a Federal MP.

A close call between a Federal MP’s beloved dog and a baited fishing hook has fuelled calls for a blanket ban on fishing at a popular Sydney Harbour park.

North Sydney Council will consider outlawing fishing at Sawmillers Reserve following a spate of cases involving dogs coming off second best after coming across stray fishing hooks left on the ground.

Recent incidents at the McMahons Point park have included a golden retriever called Posy who had to undergo emergency surgery to remove a fishing hook from her stomach at the park.

Trent Zimmerman with his dog Simba.

Disposal bins for fishing hooks such as this one at Sawmillers have failed to curb the number of incidents.

Federal North Sydney Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman has also called for action after his pooch Simba almost swallowed a hook during a regular walk at the reserve this month.

The incident occurred when his dog ran towards a baiting fishing hook left on the ground – prompting Mr Zimmerman and a bystander to spring into action and remove the hook from Simba’s throat before he swallowed it.

“There were several hooks, baited with mussels, left there in a way that I am suspicious was a deliberate act,” he said.

“It took two of us to be able to hold (Simba) and remove the hook from his throat – thankfully he was fine but it was a close shave.

Trent Zimmerman and his dog Simba.

“Since mentioning this incident with a group of dog owners in the area, I’ve had many more say they have encountered similar issues often involving emergency vet care and operations for their dogs.

“I know there’s an ongoing issue with fishers leaving rubbish and tackle and this type of problem prevents the safe enjoyment of harbourside parks.”

North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson, who has spearheaded the proposed ban, said she has received dozens of similar reports from residents in the past 12 months.

“A lot of the calls I’m getting are about hooks with bits of food on them – dogs are naturally curious and in many cases end up swallowing them,” she said.

“Most of the incidents have been at Sawmillers Reserve but I’ve also had calls about incidents at the boardwalk near Luna Park and Blues Point Reserve.

A photo of rubbish left behind by fishers at Sawmillers Reserve.

“Part of the issue is that dog ownership has soared in the past year – people are having more pets and they’re a precious part of their lives. If a dog swallows a hook and has to have an operation it’s like their child is in that situation.”

The proposed ban follows a 12 month council education campaign aimed at encouraging local fishers to follow the rules and take their rubbish with them.

Cr Gibson said a tougher approach was now needed and could also include harsher penalties along with increased patrols at the region’s popular fishing sites.

“We’ve had blitzes, put signs up and put in special bins where fishhooks could be safely discarded and people are still discarding them,” she said.

“Most fishers do the right thing, but it’s the few that don’t that wreck it. Our parks and harbour foreshore are for everyone to share.”

The proposal is due to be considered by councillors at a meeting on Monday.

Dog registration figures show ownership numbers have jumped in North Sydney to 797 last financial year – more than triple the 225 registrations in the previous 12 month period.