A Scottish charity has issued a warning to anglers following an incident where a swan was injured by discarded fishing hooks. The South of Scotland Animal Hospital revealed that the swan had two hooks embedded in it and was found tangled in fishing line in Dumfries and Galloway. The injured bird is currently receiving care at the charity’s base at SRUC’s Barony campus near Dumfries.
The charity is urging anglers to be vigilant and careful while fishing in order to prevent harm to wildlife. Despite understanding that fishing lines may break or get caught, they emphasised the importance of considering the impact of discarded lines and hooks on animals. The injured swan was discovered at Kirk Loch in Lochmaben and was promptly taken to the hospital for treatment.
Upon examination, it was revealed that the swan had two treble barbed hooks embedded in its foot, wing, and body. The bird had tried to free itself, resulting in one of the hooks snapping and leaving part of it in her body. The hospital staff provided the swan with pain relief, cleaned her wounds, and treated her for lice before moving her to an enclosure to rest and recover.
The charity expressed gratitude to the SSPCA for their assistance in treating the swan and highlighted the need for anglers to be mindful of the potential harm that fishing gear can pose to wildlife. They also emphasised the importance of prompt action and proper care when animals are injured due to human activities.
For more information about the South of Scotland Wildlife Hospital and their efforts to protect and care for local wildlife, visit their website at https://soswh.co.uk.
In conclusion, it is crucial for anglers and the community at large to be mindful of the impact of their actions on local wildlife. By being responsible and taking preventive measures, such as properly disposing of fishing gear, individuals can help protect and preserve the natural environment for all species.