Cable ties, palm oil and a lost toy dinosaur: Brighton vets litter pick to prevent canine beach injuries

A team of Brighton vets braved windy weather for their first ever beach clean.
David James, Laura Provis, Irina Neculae, and Sharon Dunworth at the first Coastway Vets beach cleanDavid James, Laura Provis, Irina Neculae, and Sharon Dunworth at the first Coastway Vets beach clean
David James, Laura Provis, Irina Neculae, and Sharon Dunworth at the first Coastway Vets beach clean

Vets and veterinary nurses from Coastway Vets in Brighton collected six bags full of rubbish, which included bottle tops, cable ties and palm oil - potentially harmful to both pets and wildlife.

The beach clean was part of a new initiative from Coastway Vets to improve the local environment, keep beaches clean of hazardous litter, and improve staff well-being.

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Cases of injury and sickness caused by beach debris are common at the Freshfield Way practice which also has surgeries in Shoreham, Portslade, Woodingdean, Rottingdean, Telscombe and Lewes.

Coastway Vets operations manager Sara Heasman said: “People like to walk their dogs on the beach and we often see instances where a dog has cut its paws on something sharp or become poorly because of something it has chewed or eaten while sniffing around.

“We wanted to help get rid of those hazards and do our bit for the environment. We are part of the community and we do care.

“We were also mindful this was a great way of getting the team together socially, out in the fresh air, and enjoying exercise while doing something which is worthwhile and benefits everyone.

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“We all had a fun time, even though the weather was wild and blustery.”

In addition to potentially hazardous litter, the vets discovered bicycle parts, plastic bottles, and a lost toy dinosaur.

Sara Heasman said the practice hoped to carry out monthly clean-ups, moving along the coastline to link with other branches and encourage clients to take part too.

Details of the next beach clean can be found at the practice’s Facebook page and all are welcome to attend.

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