The RSPCA has released images of a bloodied swan injured by a fishing tackle and ask the Greater Manchester public to cut down on fishing litter.
A cygnet injured by fishing tackle left in Ashton Canal in Droylsden was found matted in blood on 11 October.
A fishing hook had pierced its mouth – cutting its tongue and damaging its beak – with another stuck into the animal’s neck.
The cygnet’s condition began to deteriorate as it was chased by other swans at the location, leading to the RSPCA stepping in to aid the bird.
The hooks were carefully removed by specialists and the cygnet then spent 11 days in rehabilitative care with animal rescue officers Sonia Hulme and Steve Wickham.
Mr Wickham said: “These pictures should serve as another reminder of the repercussions that litter can have on our wildlife and how devastating the consequences can be.
“It’s frustrating because these sorts of incidents could be avoided altogether if people clear up their litter – whether it’s fishing-related or general.”
Last year, the RSPCA received over 1,200 calls about fishing litter across England and Wales with Greater Manchester being one of the worst affected counties, recording 71 incidents.
The charity has urged anyone fishing to follow Angling Trust’s Take 5 campaign and ensure they carefully recycle and dispose of waste tackle and line.
