A “horrified” dog owner is calling for a crackdown on beach litter after her pet’s nose was sliced by a “razor sharp” disposable barbecue left in the sand.

Caroline King was walking along Ramsgate seafront when she saw her Labrador Cross, called Tia, “leap in the air”.

Tia’s nose then began “pouring with blood” and the injured pooch had to be taken to the vets.

Ms King, from Broadstairs, visits the popular beach regularly and says rubbish in the area “is a real problem”.

“I noticed the two disposable barbecues in the sand and realised that's what she cut her nose on,” said Ms King.

“After a bank holiday or a hot weekend, there is rubbish everywhere.

“I was horrified when I saw the injury. Once the blood had gone I realised she was going to be alright, but it is still very irresponsible.”

The 48-year-old took Tia to the vet who checked her over.

Ms King was relieved her 10-year-old dog was going to be fine but says “she was a bit sore and feeling sorry for herself”.

Disposable barbecues are already banned on Thanet’s beaches and anyone caught using them could face an on-the-spot fine.

But Ms King said: “Sadly, seeing these barbecues just left behind without a care in the world is not uncommon.

“Aside from the danger of burns, if they are still hot, they are actually razor-sharp when they are not intact.”

KentOnline reported last month how a seven-year-old boy pricked his finger on a needle left on Ramsgate Main Sands.

Thanet District Council says leaving dangerous items on the beach is “unacceptable and unforgivable”.

A spokesperson said: “Disposable barbecues are not permitted on our beaches and people who use them are breaching our Beach and Coast Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

“This year, we have recruited a team of five coastal enforcement officers. They advise visitors on responsible beach use, and have the power to impose on-the-spot fines for breaching the PSPO.

“It is totally unacceptable that anyone leaves litter at the beach but leaving potentially dangerous items such as disposable barbecues is absolutely unforgivable.

“If anyone finds any harmful items on our beaches we ask that they do not touch them but report it immediately either to the bay inspector located at the beach, or to a beach cleaner. Alternatively, they can call us on 01843 577000 or email beaches-and-coast@thanet.gov.uk so we can arrange for the item to be safely removed by our trained staff.”