A nine-month-old puppy has died after running into two metal bars in a park.

Koba was on a walk with her owners Ameet Bhakta and Thalia Sparling when she ran into the posts sticking out of the ground in Southborough Common.

The tragic accident happened on Wednesday, December 22.

"We're heartbroken and devastated, but also angry at how this could have been allowed to happen," said Ameet, a 38-year-old posture specialist.

Thalia added: "I think we’re still in shock because it was so horrific. It was just catastrophic and shocking. And to watch a family member die like that is very traumatic."

The couple posted a video showing where the metal bars were located and made an appeal to the Southborough Town Council (STC) to investigate.

They then wrapped tape around the bars to secure the area, preventing any other dogs, children or anyone else from getting injured.

The council acted quickly and the posts were removed swiftly after the Rhodesian Ridgeback's tragic death but her owners still want answers.

They have created a petition urging the council to investigate the existence of any other dangerous traps around town.

At the time of writing it had collected 1,797 signatures. The goal is 2,500.

Ameet and Thalia have also emailed multiple councillors, as well as Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clarke MP and mayor of Southborough Cllr Dianne Hill.

Greg Clark MP sent his condolences and said he would contact the council.

The couple said they are relieved they are gone, but that the matter is still far from over.

Ameet commented: "We’re relieved they took it away yesterday, but we don’t think the matter is finished because we want to know why it was there, if there have been previous complaints and if there are any other sites where this fence could be.

"So even though they've taken it away, we think it's just the beginning. We want answers."

Cllr Dianne Hill said: "This was such a terrible and tragic accident to happen.

"When Southborough Town Council was made aware of this it was immediately removed.

"We had not been aware or received earlier complaints or we would have acted on them. The rest of the ridge has now been checked as we believe it formed a part of an old Victorian fence.

"We hope our community will report any such hazards so this does not happen again."

Southborough Town Council has also been approached for comment.

Click here to sign the petition.