A Scots dog had to be rushed to an emergency vets after badly burning her paws on wet tarmac after workers failed to put up any warning signs.
Owner Lorna Smith has been left reeling after her beloved dog was badly injured during their daily walk around 1.30pm on Wednesday on a private road near Mansefield.
The finance and office manager from East Calder has slammed the "irresponsible" workers as "cowboys" and claims not one warning sign or road closure was in place to deter walkers from the route.
Working cocker spaniel Nero, 7, was in agony and had to have tar removed from her badly burnt front pads.
Lorna, 50, said: "We were out as usual enjoying our walk and I came down a farm road at the top of East Calder and went down a private road.
"I noticed the fresh tarmac and thought oh, it was warm to touch but nothing major.
"We were walking along and I seen the workmen in the distance. There was no road closure, no signage - nothing.
"As we walked my feet started sinking and I realised it was really hot. There was nowhere for us to go, it was a case of trying to get us off the tarmac.
"The soles of my trainers melted. The guys just stood and watched me.
"I took Nero straight home to cool her paws then the next morning she couldn't even put her paws down and I realised how serious it was."
Poor Nero was rushed to the emergency vets and received treatment from the vets on Thursday.
The pooch had tar removed from between her paws and where her skin had burst.
Vets bandaged her paws but she has been left unable to walk.
The dog is also on antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and painkillers as vet treatment is expected to remain ongoing.
Owner Lorna has been left distraught having to see her beloved pet in so much pain and is fuming at the lack of warning on the road.
She believes the workers were operating for a private company and has been unable to track them down.
She added: "To me, personally, they were cowboys.
"Where is the health and safety in that? It's so irresponsible.
"I'm quite distressed seeing how much pain she is in.
"I just want someone to accept responsibility for what has happened. If there was a sign, I'd have taken her a different route."
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