A cygnet has been reunited with its family after becoming entangled in discarded fishing line in Sandown, prompting a fresh plea for anglers to dispose of tackle responsibly.
Volunteers from Friends of the Animals were called out yesterday afternoon (Sunday) after a concerned member of the public spotted the young swan trapped in fishing line.
Volunteer Dave, who was closest to the scene, responded quickly and found the cygnet struggling while its distressed parents remained nearby.
Working alongside the member of the public who raised the alarm, Dave carefully untangled the bird before carrying out checks for any injuries.
The cygnet was then placed on a towel for a short time before being safely reunited with its parents, with the family swimming away together.
A spokesperson for Friends of the Animals said:
“We want those that use fishing line and lures etc to please be mindful and discard them safely due to the damage and suffering that can occur to our wildlife.”
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The charity is reminding anglers to take all used fishing line, hooks and lures home for safe disposal, as discarded tackle can pose a serious risk to swans, ducks and other wildlife.
