Swan injured by discarded fishing hooks (contains graphic photos)
It's being cared for in East Winch
A swan is being cared for by the RSPCA in West Norfolk after suffering a severe injury to his left leg and foot caused by discarded fishing litter in Suffolk.
The bird was found on Thursday 17 September at Sudbury with two hooks from a nine-pronged triple pike hook embedded in his leg and the webbing of his foot.
RSPCA animal collection officer Natalie Reed spotted the injured swan when she was called out to another swan and rushed him to the charity’s specialist wildlife centre in East Winch.
She said:
"Unfortunately, swans and geese are often admitted to our wildlife centres as a result of being entangled in, swallowing, or being injured by fishing litter. It’s heartbreaking to see."
The swan was examined by a vet at East Winch Wildlife Centre and the hooks were removed. The bird is now having antibiotics and pain relief to treat the infected wound on his leg.
Manager Alison Charles said:
"I have seen a lot of wild animals with awful injuries caused by fishing litter in my time here at East Winch - but I’ve never seen anything like this.
"The poor swan had one of three triple-pronged hooks sunk into his leg and the other through the webbing of his foot. The hooks were joined with a plastic fake duckling which is used to confuse the fish.
"We strongly urge those who enjoy fishing to be extra careful to ensure nothing is left behind. Most anglers are very responsible when disposing of their litter, but it only takes one careless person to endanger the life of an animal."
The RSPCA asks all those who enjoy fishing to join the Angling Trust’s Take 5 campaign and make use of the Anglers National Line recycling scheme to dispose of their waste tackle and line.
Angling litter recycling points are now sited at the RSPCA’s four wildlife centres at West Hatch in Taunton, Somerset; Stapeley Grange in Nantwich, Cheshire; East Winch near King’s Lynn, Norfolk; and Mallydams Wood in Hastings, East Sussex, as well as at hundreds of other sites throughout the UK.
Alison added:
"If any member of the public sees discarded litter around then we would ask them to do their bit and pick it up to dispose of it properly, in a bin, and they may save an animal’s life.
"All sorts of fishing litter can cause problems: 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."
Here are some RSPCA tips to help tackle the problem:
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.
If you spot an animal in distress, please call the RSPCA’s 24-hour helpline on 0300 1234 999.