Fishing tackle causes painful injuries, internal blockages, poisoning and sometimes death to swans.
It is estimated that around 8,000 swan rescues take place each year in Britain, with 3,000 caused by fishing tackle. Over the last five years the number of calls about swans affected by fishing tackle has fallen by 22 per cent; however the proportion of all calls about swans that involved fishing tackle has remained relatively steady over the same period – around 22 to 27 per cent.
The number of swans admitted to RSPCA wildlife centres has changed little in the last five years although a smaller proportion of these swans were affected by fishing tackle in 2009 (eight per cent) compared to in 2008 (11 per cent).
The data therefore appear to be inconclusive but undoubtedly education and awareness-raising initiatives play a key role in fostering greater care and vigilance and teaching good angling practice.
For more information, read the 'swan' animal welfare indicator.
Swans affected by fishing tackle admitted to RSPCA wildlife centres
