Dog bitten by a snake at Ruffey Lake Park, Doncaster
A labrador has died after her owner witnessed the dog being bitten by a snake in a popular Doncaster dog park. Now the owner is warning others to be careful.
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A Doncaster family is warning people to be aware snakes are still out and about after their beloved rescue dog was bitten and died.
Aimee Henderson saw her labrador Lilah being bitten by a snake at Doncaster’s Ruffey Lake Park on Wednesday afternoon, sadly dying the following day.
Aimee said the seven-year-old dog had just gone for a swim in the lake when she saw something in the bush, just 2m off the track, and rushed to grab it.
Lilah emerged from the scrub carrying what was believed to be an eastern brown snake, which bit her on the chest as Aimee screamed for her to drop it.
Aimee saw Lilah shake as she was bitten then let go of the snake.
Aimee and her mum, Tracy Henderson, rushed Lilah to two vet clinics, but she couldn’t be saved.
“We’re still grieving,” Tracy said.
Aimee and Tracy want people to be aware snakes are around even though it’s not summer, and are warning pet owners to be careful having their dogs off-lead.
Lilah was playing in an off-lead area, and Aimee said there were about 10 other dogs roaming around at the time.
“It could have been anyone’s dog,” Aimee said.
“People have the misconception (snakes) are not around,” Tracy said.
Snake catcher Mark Pelley, who runs business The Snake Hunter, said snakes were absolutely still around, and is urging people not to become complacent because the weather had cooled down.
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He said snake season was typically from September to March, but snakes were always around.
“Snakes have always been there and will always be there,” he said.
Mr Pelley said snakes chose to hide in cooler weather, but were likely to pop out to sunbake on warmer days, and when they needed a drink.
He’s urged people to be particularly careful having their dogs off-lead, saying pets need to be able to be recalled instantly.
Mr Pelley said dog owners should also be aware of their dogs paying particular attention to a bush.
He runs training sessions to teach dogs to avoid snakes, with many likely to be attracted to the ‘play toys’.