We are urging people not to discard fishing equipment, after a cygnet had to be rescued at Larbert loch on 8 October.
Scottish SPCA inspector, Mairi Wright, said, “We were alerted to the distressed cygnet when a member of the public noticed the bird appeared to be struggling at the side of the loch.
“When we attended, we discovered that the cygnet was tangled in hooks on a fishing line. The hooks had also collected litter, weighing the bird down even more.
“The bird had hooks in his head, cheek and tongue, which would have caused him a great deal of pain and distress.
“It took us a few visits to catch the cygnet but we were eventually successful and took him for veterinary treatment.
“Sadly he died under anaesthetic after the vet had operated.
“Items thrown into lochs or ponds can cause serious injuries to these large birds. Swans can become tangled in fishing wire or nets that are not discarded properly. They can also mistake fishing hooks or bait for food and try to swallow them, causing serious injuries.
“Although the vast majority of anglers are very responsible and take care to clear away their equipment after they've used it, there is a minority of people who fish and don't respect the environment and the wildlife that inhabits it.
“We’re urging anyone fishing in this area, or anywhere in Scotland, to show some consideration and clear away every last piece of fishing equipment. This really could save an animal’s life.”
Further information can be found on our website: www.scottishspca.org/advice/swans-ducks-and-geese
If you find an animal in distress, please call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
