A DOG owner has told how her poor pooch has suffered slashed paws on FOUR separate occasions because mindless litterbugs have left smashed bottles strewn across Inverclyde's park land.

Susie Murray's two-year-old spaniel Ziggy has been left bleeding from wounds which had to be stitched after going walks at Parklea in Port Glasgow and Gourock's Coves Reservoir.

Susie, who is calling for local louts to clean up their act, knows of other dog owners whose beloved pets have been injured in identical circumstances.

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She told the Telegraph that it is 'horrible' to see Ziggy having to suffer when she's supposed to be enjoying the open air.

Greenock Telegraph: Susie Murray, James Daisley and John Crowther at Coves Reservoir

Susie, of Gourock, said: “It’s getting worse now, I was actually thinking of getting her shoes because it’s happening so much. 

“I’m very conscious about where she puts her feet, but she’s a spaniel, she just wants to run.

“It doesn’t matter if she’s on the lead or off the lead, she’s in danger.

“At Parklea it was on the actual football parks so it’s not just a danger to her, it can pose a threat to kids too.

“It’s very upsetting as a pet owner when something like that happens and it’s also quite expensive as well."

Susie added: “I don’t know who’s doing it, but they should be taking their rubbish home with them.

“I’ve met a few dog owners whose dogs have cut their pads, but it could be a child or a toddler that falls on the grass.

“Apparently when the grass is getting cut back the glass that’s been there over the winter is quite close to the surface and it’s not cushioned as it was earlier in the year.”

Greenock Telegraph: Susie Murray, James Daisley and John Crowther at Coves Reservoir

Councillors James Daisley and John Crowther are backing Susie's plea for other park users to be more considerate.

Councillor Daisley said: “We’ve engaged with local groups and volunteers to do litter picks which have been really successful, but it shouldn’t be their responsibility to make sure the place is litter free.

“It’s ridiculous and I think that the council and local groups can only do so much.

“Ultimately, it’s the responsibility of each person in Inverclyde to make sure they chip in here and make sure the environment is clean and clear for people to walk.

“There are so many dog owners here in Inverclyde and I’m one of them, and to be taking risks when you’re out doing something as simple as walking a dog is not good enough.

“Dog owners should be able to walk their dogs in peace without worrying about their animal being injured.

“It’s incumbent upon everybody, children and adults alike, to be vigilant.

“Inverclyde is a wonderful, beautiful place and I would urge everybody to support each other and work as a team to make sure it stays that way and gets better.

“I will be engaging with council officers to understand what we can do to help and support at Cove Reservoir.

“I’ll also engage with volunteer groups again to see what work we can do.”

Greenock Telegraph: Susie Murray, James Daisley and John Crowther at Coves Reservoir

Councillor Crowther echoed his SNP colleague’s words and also highlighted the risk the broken glass poses to local wildlife.

He said: “It’s hard to say exactly who is responsible, quite often it is said that it’s young kids, but I wouldn’t say that myself as I have no evidence to substantiate that.

“What I do know is that there is a substantial amount of broken glass that covers quite a wide area locally.

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“This will not only affect dogs, but in places like the reservoir you will often see deer late on at night and broken glass poses the same danger to them.

“It’s a danger to people too if they fall.

“Before the grass and the bushes start to grow you can see where a lot of the bottles are and get them removed.

“Now is the perfect time to clean things up."