Firefighters and RSPCA team up to rescue stricken swan tangled in fishing wire

The Boston fire crew used their four metre boat and water rescue kit to retrieve the swan, which had a tripe hook embedded in its foot and leg, from the river.

The crew attended the incident last Monday along with RSPCA inspector Laura Jones.

The crew was there for just over an hour and left the swan in the capable hands of the Laura, who transported it to the RSPCA East Winch wildlife centre to be checked by a vet.

Although the swan had the pike hool removed by a vet, the foot had a three-pronged hook in it and had become infected, and the RSPCA said on Monday this week it was still very poorly.

Laura said: “We are grateful to the members of the public who reported this injured swan to us and for the fire service for safely catching the bird.”

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “The majority of anglers do dispose of their litter properly and it is frustrating that those who don’t possibly don’t realise how dangerous it is to animals. Discarded line in particular is a terrible hazard for wildlife, particularly as it can be almost invisible.

“Any hooks caught on animals pose a further risk to the person attempting to catch the wildlife. One of the hooks on this swan was obscured from view due to the feathers.”

As well as everyday rubbish, the RSPCA also sees many animals arriving into its care with injuries caused by angling litter such as discarded fishing line and hooks to plastic netting. Nearly 40 per cent (1,510) of all litter-related calls to the RSPCA last year were about animals that had specifically become caught in fishing litter, from a seal being strangled by old fishing net to dozens of swans who swallowed or were pierced by old fishing hooks or became entangled in fishing line.

“We strongly urge those who enjoy fishing to be extra cautious to make sure nothing is left behind,” the spokesperson said.

“Most anglers are very responsible when disposing of their litter, but it only takes one piece of snagged line to be left in a tree or dropped near the water to endanger the life of an animal.

“If members of the public see discarded litter we would encourage them to pick it up safely and put it in the bin, remembering to wash their hands after. Their action could save an animal’s life.”

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit the RSPCA website or call our donation line on 0300 123 818