A Sleaford dog owner has attributed her pet’s severe illness to uncut grass on her estate. Sally Griffen reported spending over £300 on veterinary care after a grass seed became lodged in her dog’s ear.
Ms. Griffen is calling for more frequent maintenance of grass verges along roads to prevent similar incidents. Lincolnshire County Council has announced plans for multiple cuts this year due to “extreme rapid grass growth” resulting from recent weather conditions.
Ms. Griffen’s golden cocker spaniel, Sandy, who is blind and has a heart condition, endured significant pain. “We were extremely worried about her. When we brought her home, she was not herself,” Ms. Griffen said. She expressed fear about future occurrences, not only due to her dog’s health but also the financial burden. “We spent £315 on vet bills, which is a substantial amount for us,” she added.
The council mentioned that it “pays some district, town, and parish councils to perform more localized cuts in their respective areas.” North Kesteven District Council highlighted a “growing recognition” of the benefits of allowing certain grass areas to grow wilder, calling it a “good idea.”
They explained, “Allowing grass to grow longer can support pollinators and help capture and lock in carbon.”