A TYNE Valley pet owner is asking for notices warning litterbugs of financial penalties to be erected after her beloved dog was injured after walking through smashed glass.

Helen Cass’ seven-year-old dog Alfie had his paw pad badly lacerated by smashed glass in the popular Sele Park in Hexham.

“There is a big issue in the Sele Park”, said Helen. “It’s happened to several animals.”

Now, to ensure no other dogs are hurt and children can use the play areas safely, Helen is requesting signs be put up warning park users of a fine for rubbish, including bottles and cans, discarded inappropriately.

She added: “We are blessed to have fabulous green spaces on our doorstep. This past year, particularly, people’s pets are even more dear to them and have been a blessing for exercise and mental health.

“The Sele is the heart of our town. However, a small percentage of people are spoiling it. Burning the seating, the bins a while back and now worst of all, glass and rubbish left.”

Alfie was operated on by vets at Scott Mitchell and now has medicine to manage the pain.

Fearing potential long-term damage to Alfie, Helen asks: “You small percentage of people who forget there are bins, I ask politely, please, think and remove your rubbish - it could be you that gets hurt by someone else’s broken glass. Look after our fabulous public space.”

Over lockdown Helen launched LAF - lockdown Alfie Fun - which saw her and Alfie go on wellbeing walks with members of the public.

A Northumberland County Council spokesperson said: “We want to maintain a clean and safe environment in all of our green spaces and take the issue of litter very seriously. Unfortunately, a small number of people do leave litter behind them in our parks, our staff do remove this on their regular visits and in between scheduled visits we will respond to reports of litter in parks and green spaces.

“We do alert people to the fact that they can be fined for littering and will take action where we have evidence of offending, we will consider this request for additional signage.”