Scottish SPCA rescues swan with fishing wire around wing in Barrhead

A swan with fishing wire wrapped around its wing has been rescued by the Scottish SPCA at the Darnley Dams in Barrhead.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity received a number of calls about the swan but had been unable to catch it until Thursday, May 21.

The swan with the fishing wire wrapped around its wing. Once it was removed the swan appeared to be fine and was released back on to the water. (Photo: Scottish SPCA)placeholder image
The swan with the fishing wire wrapped around its wing. Once it was removed the swan appeared to be fine and was released back on to the water. (Photo: Scottish SPCA)

This is the second incident of a swan being affected by litter in the area in a fortnight.

Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Rebecca Carr said, “Concerned members of the public had contacted our helpline to report the bird with the wire caught around its wing.

The fishing wire removed by rescue officer Rebecca Carr. (Photo: Scottish SPCA)placeholder image
The fishing wire removed by rescue officer Rebecca Carr. (Photo: Scottish SPCA)

“We had attended the pond but hadn’t been able to contain the bird to provide assistance.

“Thankfully, I managed to catch the swan and cut the wire.

“I checked the bird over and there were no other injuries so I released it back on to the pond.

“On May 12, my colleague Jan Toraman rescued a swan with a bottle top ring trapped around its beak and tongue which was affecting the bird’s ability to eat. This bird could have died without our help.

“All litter has the potential to be dangerous or lethal to wildlife. These incidents are easily avoidable if people take their rubbish away and dispose of it responsibly.”

Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal should contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

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