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Dog hit by car after being spooked by fireworks

BBC Meg the black cocker spaniel dog, on a blanket in what looks like a vet's surgery, with her owner EleanorBBC
Meg, a black Cocker Spaniel, bolted after a walk with her owner Eleanor

A dog owner was left with a £9,000 vet bill after her dog was spooked by a firework and ran into the path of a car.

Eleanor Duncan took her black cocker spaniel Meg for a walk in Liversedge, West Yorkshire, on 5 November, not realising there was a fireworks display nearby.

Meg bolted, and after a long search was found two days later with a fractured hip and pelvis and extensive damage to her abdomen.

She is now recovering after surgery, but animal charity K9-SAR - which helped look for Meg - wants to raise enough money to pay for it.

Eleanor Duncan Meg, a black cocker spaniel, standing on a bench with her tongue hanging out. There are lots of autumn leaves on the floor. Eleanor Duncan
Meg, pictured before the accident, was treated for a fractured hip and pelvis

Ms Duncan said: "I was just getting into the van with Meg, I had taken the lead off and I didn't realise there was a firework display about to start.

"The bangs started to go off and she just bolted."

She said she got in touch with local animal search groups on Facebook, and the amount of people who came out to help her look was "too many to thank".

"People were coming out of their houses to help me, until about 3.30 in the morning," she said.

Ms Duncan said the number of fireworks let off around Bonfire Night was "too much".

She said: "I know everybody likes fireworks, but the effect that it is having now, it isn't just a couple of days, it's affecting too many animals."

Meg had life-saving surgery at Chantry Vets in Wakefield.

Surgical director Lisa Flood said Meg was critical when she arrived but is now making a good recovery.

A male K9-SAR charity worker in a yellow coat and purple jacket.
Rescue charity K9-SAR helped in the search on Bonfire Night

Jason Sykes, a volunteer for K9-SAR, said fireworks can cause lots of problems for pets.

"This has been one of our busiest years for dogs getting spooked by fireworks."

He urged dog owners to "be vigilant".

"If you can, try and go to an area that is quiet, keep your dog on a leash or a double leash. Keep them inside and put the tele on, to keep them calm."

He said the fundraising was still "creeping up" and £3,000 had already been donated towards the £9,000 target.

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Meg, a black cocker spaniel, on a blanket with a cone around her head
Meg had surgery which cost about £9,000, K9-SAR said
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