The RSPCA has reiterated the dangers of discarded fishing tackle after two swans were rescued within days of each other, including a female at Fiddlers Ferry Marina in Warrington.
The first incident was reported to the animal welfare charity in Warrington after a female swan was seen in difficulty at Fiddlers Ferry Marina in Penketh. The bird was so tightly wrapped in fishing line she was unable to stand and multiple entry points were visible where two barbed hooks had become embedded.
RSPCA Inspector Leanne Cooper attended the scene on June 30 and took the swan for immediate treatment at Rutland House Vets in St Helens where staff used bolt-like cutters to remove the line and snip the hooks.
The swan’s wounds were washed and she was given anti-inflammatory pain relief and antibiotics and later returned to the location by the Inspector and reunited with her mate and five cygnets.
Two days later the charity was alerted to the plight of another female swan at Brooms Cross Fishery in Long Lane, Liverpool. This bird was also tangled in fishing line and had a deep-set barbed hook in her neck.
She was caught by RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Benedict Marshall and the team at Rutland House assisted again. The hook was removed with some difficulty and the swan was given pain relief and later returned to her partner and eight cygnets.
Speaking about the incidents, Leanne said: “These swans were very fortunate not to sustain more serious injuries. The bird I collected was so tightly wrapped up in line she was completely immobile and unable to swim or even stand up properly. The hooks were very deep and I knew assistance would be needed to remove them.
“The veterinary team at Rutland House were brilliant on both occasions and the people who called us are going to monitor the swans at both locations. It’s been a team effort to get these birds treated and reunited with their families, although both incidents could have been avoided if a little more care had been taken. It’s always great to have a reminder of what we can all achieve together for animal welfare.”
RSPCA officers see many animals with terrible injuries caused by discarded fishing line, hooks and plastic netting, with such incidents accounting for around 34 percent (751) of all litter-related calls received by the charity last year.
The RSPCA says the majority of anglers are careful when fishing – but a small number are letting the community down by not disposing of their waste properly and leaving animals in danger.
Leanne added: “Old fishing lines can cut deeply into the flesh of water birds like swans, geese and ducks, affecting circulation and causing wounds to become seriously infected.
“Sometimes we see birds that have swallowed barbed fishing hooks, so these hazards can very quickly become a matter of life or death. Discarded line in particular is a terrible hazard for wildlife as it can be almost invisible.
“We strongly urge those who enjoy fishing to make sure they leave nothing behind. It only takes one piece of snagged line to be left in a tree or dropped near the water to endanger an animal’s life.”
Anglers are encouraged to follow the Angling Trust Anglers Against Litter campaign and make use of recycling schemes to dispose of their waste tackle.
While many animals like these swans need specialist support, there are lots of small wildlife and pets which people can safely help, and the fastest way to do this is by taking them to a local vet.
The animal welfare charity is calling on people to be a Local Animal Hero with their new training video, where RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Emma Baker shows the public how to help small wild animals and pets in need and create their own rescue box.
Visit rspca.org.uk/rescuebox to watch the video and sign up to get your Animal Hero badge. To find out more about what people think about animals in 2025, visit the RSPCA Animal Kindness Index.
