The RSPCA is warning of the danger posed to wildlife by discarded fishing litter following a recent incident in Llanymynech involving a swan that was badly wounded.
A female swan was found at the Shropshire Union Canal near North Road, Llanymynech with a fishing lure stuck in her bottom eyelid and with fishing line coming out of her mouth.
RSPCA inspector Christopher Dunbar rescued the swan on Saturday (16 August) after several attempts to reach the injured bird. The swan has now been transported to a local wildlife hospital for treatment.
Inspector Dunbar said: “Another inspector had tried to catch the swan on Thursday and Friday but could not get her off the canal. I got lucky on Saturday and managed to get her.
“The poor swan had a fishing lure lodged in her bottom eyelid and had fishing line coming out of her mouth as well.
“Hopefully it will not be too long before we can reunite her with her mate.”
Every year fishing litter (hooks, weights, line) causes injury and death to thousands of wild animals.
Swans are one of the more commonly admitted wild bird species in our wildlife centres, large numbers as a result of fishing litter.
Line can wrap around necks causing deep wounds in flesh and cutting off the blood supply, hooks can pierce beaks or become embedded in skin, and weights can be swallowed causing internal injuries and blockages.
RSPCA tips to help tackle the problem include:
- Taking unwanted fishing line home and cut it into pieces before putting in the bin.
- Being aware of surrounding trees – discarded line caught in foliage can entangle wildlife.
- Don’t leave bait unattended – always remove from the hook and put it in a safe place.
- Use a bait box – this will reduce the chances of leaving behind an empty bait tin by mistake.
- Don’t leave hooks, weights or other paraphernalia behind.
There is a website page dedicated to fishing litter, please visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/litter/fishing
If you spot an animal in distress, please call the RSPCA’s 24-hour helpline on 0300 1234 999.
If you would like to help the RSPCA, you can give £3 now by texting HELP to 78866 (text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).
