RSPCA Cymru Issues Warning Of The Danger Posed To Wildlife By Discarded Fishing Litter
A swan has been returned to the wild after he was injured with fishing litter.
The swan was spotted at Dyffryn in The Vale of Glamorgan with a leg injury and was reported to the RSPCA.
RSPCA chief inspector Elaine Spence said: “This swan had a nasty injury on his right leg.
“The fishing line had gone around four or five times around his leg and it had dug straight in. The wound was also healing over the fishing line.
“At the vets, a fishing hook was also found in his leg. The vet was able to remove the hook and to pull out the line out of the wound.
“The wound had healed cleanly and he did not require any medication.”
The swan was then released back to where he was found.
“As soon as he was released he called to his mate and she came running over. They were very pleased to see each other, and it was lovely to see.”
Unfortunately, swans are commonly admitted to our wildlife centres as a result of being entangled in, swallowing, or being injured by, fishing litter.
Line can wrap around necks causing deep wounds in flesh and cutting off the blood supply, hooks can pierce beaks,become embedded in skin or get caught in the bird’s throat, 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.
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