Animal rights activist Sandra Kyle survives accident, dog hurt

Sandra Kyle is pictured with her dog Jack at this May vigil outside Whanganui's Land Meat. Photo file / Bevan Conley

Whanganui's "singing vegan" says she was lucky to escape relatively unharmed after her car rolled three times in a crash which left her dog needing $3000 worth of surgery.

Sandra Kyle - who stands vigil on Sundays outside Land Meat to protest the slaughter of animals for meat - lost control of her vehicle near Turakina.

Kyle said she spun out on fresh seal on her way back to Whanganui on Friday after recording her animal rights radio show Safe and Sound in Palmerston North.

"It was like driving on marbles," she said. "I was wobbling everywhere. I spun out across the road in the other direction and just missed a lamp post."

Witnesses in cars travelling behind said she rolled three times before her Toyota RAV4 crashed through a fence and landed in a paddock.

"If I hadn't had my seatbelt on I wouldn't be here," Kyle said.

Her 12-year-old black labrador, Jack, was in the car and was flung out the back window, badly breaking his leg.

Cars stopped to help Kyle while police, ambulance, tow truck and a vet attended the scene.

The owner of the property gave her water and comforted the dog while she talked to the emergency services.

She signed a St John Ambulance "refusal to be transported" form as she wanted to stay with Jack while they were driven back to Whanganui by the vet and vet nurse.

Kyle was later found to have no broken bones but is sore from internal bruising or swelling.

She is adamant the accident will not stop her flying to India next month, to accept the Philip Wollen Animal Welfare Award on March 22.

Jack's surgery will involve getting a plate to hold his bones together, rather than wearing a cast.

"He's only got one or two years left, but I want the best possible quality of life for him," Kyle said.

The operation will cost $3000 - and is already virtually paid for through a Givealittle page set up by her friend and fellow animal helper Fiona Grieves.

Kyle said she had been overwhelmed by offers of help.

"I have been surrounded by understanding and love and I feel quite humbled by it," she said.