SOUTH Lanarkshire Council have issued a statement following claims a dog was bitten by an adder in an East Kilbride park. 

Dog walking and grooming company Awwz & Pawz shared a post on social media earlier this week claiming a dog had to have her leg amputated after she was bitten by a snake within Calderglen Country Park on Thursday, June 22. 

The incident is said to have happened near the river between the overflow car park and football pitches close to the entrance of the park. 

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They reported the dog, named Stella, was on the mend following the operation. 

Urging dog owners to be cautious, the Facebook post read: "On Thursday one of my dogs I walk was bitten by an adder snake within calderglen country park.

"The poor girl got her leg amputated today, I have never once heard or seen a snake in this area in the five years I have been walking and have been coming to this same area nearly every week since I started.

"Please be careful and warn everyone that they can be in busy places and to do some research into the signs and what to do if it happens.

"Heartbroken for her.

"Her operation has went well and she will be on the mend soon, the surgeon said that more adder bite cases have been brought in so please be aware and avoid places they might be especially after they come out of hibernation from early spring - August.

"The warm dry weather is preferable for them so that may be why they have been out more, so be especially more vigilant and cautious on the nice summer days."

The post also claimed there have been further sightings of adders in West Mains Hillocks Park.

However, South Lanarkshire Council has now shared a message on social media claiming the incident has been investigated and there is "absolutely no evidence" of adders in the park. 

They also say herpetologists have said there are no adders present in East Kilbride. 

The Facebook post read: "An important note regarding claims that a dog was bitten by an adder in Calderglen Park in East Kilbride.

"This has been investigated by the council and there is absolutely no evidence of any adders in this area, let alone any dog being bitten by one.

"Our thoughts are with the dog that did sustain an injury and its owner.

"However, our investigations have found no evidence the injury was caused by an adder.

"We have also consulted experts in the field of herpetology, which is the study of amphibians and reptiles, and their clear advice is that adders are not present in East Kilbride or Calderglen Country Park."

Adders are the UK’s only venomous snakes.

They only grow to 50-60cm and can be brown or grey with a diamond pattern down the centre of their back.

While their venom is generally of little danger to humans, an adder bite can be painful and cause inflammation and medical attention should be sought immediately. 

If a dog is bitten by an adder, there may be swelling around the wound while the dog may show signs of pain, bleeding, bruising, lameness and may appear nervous. 

Owners should seek veterinary attention.