Warning after two goslings entwined in fishing line
The RSPCA is urging anglers to dispose of their rubbish safely after two goslings were found entwined in fishing line – causing one to drown.
The animal welfare charity was called to rescue the two goslings which were left lying helpless at the edge of a lake in Stafford.
Two anglers came across them at Jefferson Walk on Wednesday, June 10, and tried to free the birds themsleves. They were unable to get the line off the goslings, so called the RSPCA for help and animal collection officer Julie Lyons was sent to the scene.
She could see one of the goslings had been pulled down by the fishing line and had drowned in the muddy water – but she managed to rescue the sibling after carefully cutting him free and unwrapping the line which was beginning to cut in to his body.
Julie said: "It was such an upsetting and shocking sight to find the two goslings entwined together in so much fishing line at the edge of the lake – and sadly it had caused one of them to drown.
“I managed to free the other gosling who is now in RSPCA care but he was in quite a state. The poor bird was waterlogged and exhausted from trying to free himself and the line was everywhere – around his wings, body, neck and legs. It was so sad.”
The gosling was rushed to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich for treatment and once he is rehabilitated he will be released back into the wild.
Julie added: “This is a reminder of how damaging discarded fishing litter can be for wildlife. 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.
“As can be seen here discarded line in particular is a terrible hazard for wildlife, particularly as it can be almost invisible.
“We urge all anglers to take home any litter after fishing - as discarded lines and hooks can easily snag water birds and other wildlife, causing terrible injuries, suffering that can lead to animals dying. All it takes is a little thought and care.
“I am grateful to the two anglers that came across this shocking sight and alerted us to the scene. They also went around the lake collecting fishing litter afterwards which was great and will help to prevent further incidents like this.”
