Anglers warned after horrific injury to swan

A swan has been rescued after being found on a local canal with a fishing hook lodged in its bottom eye lid and line coming from out of its mouth.

The swan was so traumatised that it took RSPCA officers three days to get hold of the majestic bird which was on the canal running through Llanymynech.

And while the bird is recuperating following urgent medical treatment, a warning has gone out to reckless anglers that discard unwanted tackle.

Inspector Christopher 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 to 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.”

The RSPCA said that every year fishing litter (hooks, weights, line) causes injury and death to thousands of wild animals and revealed that swans are one of the more commonly admitted wild bird species 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.”

The RSPCA has now sent a clear message for anglers to take all unwanted fishing tackle home with them and has a web page offering advice at http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/litter/fishing

If you spot an animal in distress, 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).