The RSPCA is urging fishers to dispose of their equipment responsibly after two cygnets were found with fishing hooks stuck in their legs at a North East lake.
The injured birds, estimated to be just seven months old, were spotted struggling to walk by concerned members of the public at Silksworth Lake, in Sunderland, on September 28.
RSPCA officers Lindsey Avery and Helen Nedley teamed up and managed to catch one of them, which was taken to Westway Veterinary Group in Houghton-le-Spring.
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The hook, which was removed, had caused a small hole in the young swan’s leg which thankfully wasn’t infected and he was successfully reunited with his family.
The other was caught three days later and taken to Eden Hill Veterinary Surgery in West Pelton, where the hook was removed with slight swelling noted by vets.
Following this incident, the RSPCA is urging anglers and the wider public to dispose of their waste responsibly.
RSPCA chief inspector Lindsey Avery said: "Sadly we’re continuing to see an alarming number of animals who’ve been impacted by fishing litter. Many of them - like these cygnets - can be saved, but some need lengthy care and rehabilitation as a result.
"Others aren’t so lucky, and sometimes their injuries, or the sheer stress and exhaustion from their ordeal proves too much.
"It’s especially disheartening when there’s such a simple solution: clear up your litter - whether it’s fishing-related or general - and take it home with you.
"Many experienced anglers are responsible when it comes to wildlife and taking care of their equipment, but we’d urge those who may be new to the activity to be extra cautious about making sure they leave nothing behind."
This latest rescue comes after the RSPCA revealed it received 1,245 calls about fishing litter across England and Wales last year - and around half were made between June and September.
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The organisation is now urging anglers to adhere to the Angling Trust’s Take 5 campaign and use recycling schemes to dispose of waste.
The RSPCA guidance states: "Take old fishing line and spools to recycling points in local tackle shops or fisheries and dispose of any litter you see, even if it’s not your own.
"Don’t leave bait unattended – always remove it from the hook and put it in a safe place and use a reusable bait container. Don’t take bait in tins."
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