Multiple dogs injured by stray hooks walking on Tallebudgera beach

A leisurely dog walk on the beach turned into the stuff of nightmares for many pet owners last week, with at least four pooches injured by stray fishing equipment.

A leisurely dog walk on the beach turned into the stuff of nightmares for many pet owners last week, with at least four pooches injured by stray fishing equipment.

The incident at the Tallebudgera off leash beach has sparked outrage among the local dog-owning community.

Professional dog walker Kassie Palmer was at the beach on Thursday afternoon when Bluebell — a dog she was caring for — became hooked on fishing line.

According to Ms Palmer, Bluebell was the fourth dog to have been caught in the two metre long line that was threaded with fishing hooks “every few centimetres”.

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Kassie Palmer was walking Bluebell on the beach when the poor pup was injured. Picture: Jerad Williams

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“There was a man flying a drone at the time with a bit of fishing equipment, the hooked line was trailing out on the sand next to him with tackle,” Ms Palmer claims.

“I had four dogs around me at that time, trying to get them to sit down and not go near him, when I saw this woman near him working to take a hook out of her border collie’s foot.

“The animal was clearly in pain.”

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Ms Palmer, who had approached the woman to help, said she realised there were a dozen loose hooks in the sand.

“The smell of fish was attracting all the dogs to the area,” Ms Palmer said.

“There was a two metre run of line with a heap of hooks on it just lying in the sand which had hurt her dog and then caught Bluebell.”

The dog walker said she asked the unknown man to put his fishing gear away but he allegedly refused.

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Bluebell made a quick recovery. Picture: Jerad Williams

“The woman with the Border Collie said she had already unhooked three dogs,” she said.

“It was terrifying, Bluebell was hurt and we just had to get them out of there.”

Ms Palmer said she notified the police and was referred to the RSPCA.

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said the organisation is aware of the incident, however did not believe it was a malicious act.

“The RSPCA is aware of reports that animals were injured by fishing gear on Thursday,” the spokeswoman said.

“We encourage those fishing to responsibly dispose of their gear to avoid injuring animals and pet owners to be aware of potential hazards, even in off leash areas.”