A GREYHOUND is fighting for its life after running into a "concealed" barbed wire fence.
Nine-year-old rescue dog Bubbles suffered serious injuries while walking off the leash in Weald Country Park with her owner Louise Wood.
Mrs Wood, 47, of Crow Green Road, Pilgrims Hatch, told the Gazette she first knew there was a problem when she heard her pet yelping in pain.
She then saw that Bubbles had collided with a fence made up of three strands of barbed wire, which she says was hidden by grass and leaves.
Mrs Wood, a secretary at Bentley St Paul's Primary School in Pilgrims Hatch, said: "Bubbles just didn't see the fence and although she was far away, I could see that she was badly limping.
"As I got closer I discovered she had eight slashes across her body and there was blood everywhere.
"My husband picked her up and we took her straight to the emergency vets where she was operated on that evening."
Mrs Wood rushed Bubbles to House and Jackson Vets in Blackmore straight after the accident, which took place on the morning of Saturday, February 2.
She was able to take her pet home the next day.
The black dog, who the Woods have owned for three years, required at least a dozen stitches.
The vet also fitted two drains to remove excess fluid from her wounds.
Mrs Wood said: "The wire tore her skin from the blood vessels and there's a chance that the skin has died.
"If this is the case she has little chance of survival.
"Bubbles is a gorgeous dog and we're very distressed about what's happened.
"This fence is very dangerous – it's too low with three lines of barbed metal and it's very difficult to see.
"We were told by some other walkers that this is not the first time that a dog has been injured by the fence.
"They told my husband and I that a lurcher was also injured.
"I took a closer look at the fence and saw that plastic milk bottles had been placed at intervals.
"I imagine this may have been to make the barbed wire more visible but it obviously hasn't worked.
"I'm very angry that this has maimed two dogs and it shouldn't be there.
"The fence is a hazard for dogs but also could endanger small children who may not spot the hidden barbed wire."
A spokesman for Essex County Council, which owns Weald Country Park, said: "We are sorry to hear about the incident with the barbed wire fence.
"We will be in contact with the neighbouring landowner to discuss the fencing and determine whether any adjustments are possible to reduce the amount needed or make it more visible.
"Barbed wire fencing is used throughout the countryside by landowners to contain livestock such as horses and cattle within their fields.
"We would urge dog walkers to keep their dogs under close control, as stipulated by the bylaws for the country park."
