Anglers urged to take care with equipment

THE Scottish SPCA is urging fishing enthusiasts across Scotland to ensure all fishing equipment is cleared away after a swan was discovered at Lanark Loch with a fishing line around its beak.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was originally alerted last month about a swan with fishing line around its legs and the animal rescue officer discovered another swan with the line wrapped around its beak.

Animal rescue officer Sian Robertson said: ‘I was called out to a swan with fishing line around its legs but when I arrived at the loch I noticed a swan out of the water and was alarmed when it let me get close and lift it.

‘Upon closer inspection I noticed an unusual smell and saw that the swan actually had a piece of fishing line wrapped tightly around its beak.

‘I wouldn’t have been able to spot the wire from a distance, which highlights how important it is for all fishing equipment to be cleared away. The swan was already very lethargic and dehydrated as it was likely he hadn’t been able to eat or drink for a few days.

‘The swan was taken to our national wildlife rescue centre where the line was cut and pain relief was provided. Thankfully, he made a full recovery and was released back into the wild on December 1 with three other cygnets.

‘We urge the public to be more careful with their fishing hooks and line when disposing of them as we deal with so many incidents which are very similar on a weekly basis.’

Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal should contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.