Our beloved four-legged family member, Ripley, recently faced a dire predicament. While we were cleaning up discarded fishing lines and rubbish left by recreational fishers, Ripley unknowingly ingested a fishing hook. This small act of negligence from an irresponsible individual led to an emergency veterinary procedure to save Ripley's life.

 

 

We have since heard of other dogs who have met the same circumstances as well as people and children requiring medical attention to have barbed fishing hooks removed from their hands or feet. 

It is not just pets who are at risk, birds also frequently pick these things up and suffer a slow and agonising demise. 

 

 

 

 

Edited (23/2/25):

We intend to petition Woollahra Council to put up explicit anti littering signage or even better, install hook and line bins (see image below) in Yarranabbe and Rushcutters Bay Park – as well as other harbourside parks that are enjoyed not just by dog and their owners but by the wider community. 

 

Hook and line bins provide a disposal solution for waste fishing line and tackle in recreational fishing hotspots. When used correctly, the bins will help reduce the environmental impacts caused by fishing related litter in the local ecosystem.

Though our intention is not to take away the joy of recreational fishing along our harbour foreshore, we are eager to protect pets, birds, children and adults from experiencing unnecessary agony. Let's make Yarranabbe and Rushcutters Bay Parks a safe space for all.

 

 

 

 

Sign the petition today to appeal to the local council to act now!