RSPCA appeals to anglers after swan bloodied by tackle

The alarm was raised by people passing by, after a young male swan was spotted in difficulty on the Ashton Canal, near Old Mill Wharf in Droylsden, on Wednesday, October 11.

A large hook had pierced the swan’s mouth and gone through his beak and cut his tongue, with another one embedded in his neck.

A section of discarded fishing line was also wrapped around his body, pinning his head downwards.

The cygnet’s condition was deteriorating, and his vulnerable condition meant he was being chased by other swans at the location.   

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RSPCA animal rescue officer Lee Ferrans attended the scene.

With assistance from members of the public, he managed to corral the cygnet under a nearby bridge where the water was narrower and he could be safely reached from the side of the bank.   

The swan was left bloodied by the incident (Image: RSPCA)

The hooks and line were carefully removed, and advice was sought from the specialist team at the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital in Cheshire. 

The cygnet then spent 11 days in the care of Sonia Hulme and Steve Wickam, both animal rescue officers for the RSPCA who are trained to deal with wildlife.

The pair often take in birds and other animals to rehabilitate at their home before they are released.

After 11 days of rehabilitation, including a course of anti-inflammatories, the cygnet was re-released by Steve on a lake on Sunday, October 22.

He was also ringed to help the charity to monitor his movements. 

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Steve said: “These pictures should serve as another reminder of the repercussions that litter can have on our wildlife and how devastating the consequences can be.

“It’s a serious problem affecting wildlife across the country. Usually, it is waterfowl that are most affected, although other species such as hedgehogs can also fall victim to the perils of discarded hooks, lines and nets.

“This cygnet’s injuries were fairly typical of the ones we see and he needed quite a lengthy period of monitoring to ensure his wounds had healed and he was eating properly. We’d like to thank members of the public for reporting the incident and helping us get him off the water.

“It’s frustrating because these sorts of incidents could be avoided altogether if people clear up their litter - whether it’s fishing-related or general - and take it home with them.

“Many experienced anglers are responsible when it comes to wildlife and taking care of their equipment, but we would urge those who may be new to the activity to be extra cautious about making sure they clear up.”

The swan was released on to a lake (Image: RSPCA)

The RSPCA received 1,245 calls about fishing litter across England and Wales last year, with around half of these calls made between June and September.

Greater Manchester was one of the worst affected counties, recording 71 incidents.

In recent months, RSPCA officers have been called out to rescues at the Rochdale Canal, Alexandra Park in Edgeley and a fishing lake in Middleton.

The charity urges all anglers to follow the Angling Trust’s ‘Take 5’ campaign and to make use of the recycling scheme to dispose of waste tackle and line.