Warning to dog owners in Sheffield after pet swallows children's toy and nearly dies

Rocco, a two-year-old French mastiff, was rushed to the vets last week by James Tompkins and went under the knife after tests showed the harmless-looking soft toy - known as a pineapple Bobball - was blocking his intestines.

Mr Tompkins, of Arbourthorne, believes the toy was thrown into his garden by a neighbour, and he has urged fellow pet owners to check for any such hazards before letting their pooches loose outside.

He claims he had been unable to insure Rocco as the mutt has an existing skin condition, meaning providers were unwilling to offer cover.

"Rocco's doing well after his operation but the vets say he's likely to need another course of tablets, so the £2,000 bill is likely to rise further," he said.

"I wasn't very happy when I found out what had caused it. The toy must have been thrown over the garden fence by someone.

"After what's happened, I'd advise other dog owners to always check their garden before letting their pets out. If you live near people with children there could be a risk."

He was first diagnosed with a cold and given an injection to stop the nausea but his condition failed to improve so his owner took him back on Monday, when he was put on a drip and had various tests before an x-ray revealed the blockage.

You can donate at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rocco-burrow.