A WOMAN watched in horror as her dog became impaled on a scout hut fence, which she said should have been fixed years ago.

Dog breeder Samantha Bugler said the fence around Weymouth West Air Scout Group near Radipole Lane has been in a dreadful state since she moved to the area in 1995.

She is angry that this accident which should never have happened has cost her up to £200 in veterinary bills.

Miss Bugler, 39, of Granby Close, Weymouth, said: "Lily, my border collie, was sniffing around the edge of the fence when she became impaled on a metal hook.

"She was going mad yelping but I couldn't see how to get it out.

"I screamed for help, some children ran and got someone to call the vet, and my neighbour Mike got his wire cutters.

"My vet said if Mike hadn't cut the fence away Lily could have lost her leg, because she kept twisting and turning."

She added: "We've been complaining for years about the fence. Two years ago they got new fence rolls to put up, but nothing was actually done. I've been down to the scout hut twice since the accident and warned a child could get injured, but all they've done is put a rickety board up. I haven't had so much as an apology and it's cost me £165 in vet bills so far, and it's likely to reach £200."

Dave Cumber of Fielding and Cumber Veterinary Surgeons in Chickerell Road attended and sedated Lily before taking her in for an emergency operation. Mr Cumber said: "The fence looks fairly innocuous but obviously there was a sharp point and it just goes to show how much damage these things can do. It pierced the skin, through the muscle and out the other side.

"Lily was actually extremely lucky because it only just missed a major artery. The neighbour should be praised for cutting the wire. It was very sensible and certainly saved the dog a lot more trauma."

District commissioner for Weymouth and Portland Scouts Gary Clothier said parents of the Weymouth West Scout group had already arranged to replace the fence on Saturday, May 17.

He said: "Scouting is all voluntary and any money we get is from fundraising. The fence has been recognised as needing repair.

"I would hate to think this would put local scouting in a bad light. We've worked hard to revamp the inside of the hut and now we are turning our attentions to the outside.

"The fence was damaged by children jumping on it and we are keen to get it repaired to stop dogs getting inside and fouling or barking at children as they play, which has happened before."

He added: "If anyone in the local community, particularly tradesmen, are able to volunteer their services we would be very grateful."