Warning to anglers after cygnet injured by hook

A cygnet was found injured after a fishing hook got stuck in its foot, prompting a warning to anglers about the dangers of discarded tackle

The young swan suffered a wound after a fishing line became wrapped around its leg and a hook embedded in his foot at Butterley Reservoir in Ripley on 11 October.

A passer-by spotted the bird and raised the alarm. RSPCA officer Lucy Kingsley attended to take the animal to a vet for treatment.

The incident has led the charity to urge people to ensure fishing line and tackle is properly disposed of.

Kingsley said: "The line was wrapped tightly around the leg and the hook was embedded in an open wound, making it impossible to remove safely at the scene.

"Fishing litter can be extremely dangerous to wildlife.

"The majority of anglers are very responsible, but sadly it only takes one piece of discarded kit to cause birds, like this cygnet, a great deal of suffering, and can even be fatal."

The cygnet was successfully released back in to the wild after recovering.

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