National Cruelty Line:
0300 1234 999

Bradford and District

Don't Catch the Birds!


Swan with fishing line wrapped around its beak. This required an anaesthetic to cut and remove the line


This swan is suffering from lead poisoning. It is weak and cannot support its head


X-ray showing lead material in the gut of the swan. This bird has also been shot with 2 airgun pellets


Duckling that has swallowed fishing line, which was attached to a hook that had to be removed under anaesthetic


This young swan is on an intravenous drip as it has stopped eating, due to lead poisoning


Fishing tackle has become wrapped around this swan's foot

Injuries to wildlife caused by fishing tackle are unfortunately very common. Nationally around 3000 swans a year are reported to be affected, along with many more birds and mammals.

At Bradford RSPCA we often see swans affected by lead poisoning. Angler's weights are a common source of the lead, despite use of most sizes now being banned. Only a few pieces may be enough to poison a swan. Sudden death can result, but more commonly the bird becomes dull and weak, gradually eating less and losing weight. Starvation may be the cause of death. Weakness of the muscles causes difficulty in the head being held up, called 'limber neck'. Treatment is possible, but requires hospitalisation and daily injections, often over several weeks. Sometimes the injuries are too extensive and there is no chance of recovery.

Fishing line does not rot, lasting for many years in the environment. If not disposed of carefully it can cause a wide range of injuries. Line can become entangled around legs and wings, causing a tourniquet effect and loss of the limb. If swallowed, it can cause a blockage of the gullet, leading to starvation. The line often becomes caught around the beak: repeated attempts at swallowing then cause a 'cheese wire' effect, leading to severe internal injuries.

Line entangled around a bird can be difficult to spot: capture and close examination is needed. Unfortunately by the time they are sick enough to be spotted and caught, many are too ill to recover.

Hooks may be swallowed deliberately, possibly because shiny objects are attractive. They may also become caught on skin and feathers. Barbs add to the injury and mean that the bird has little chance of removing the hook itself. Damage to the mouth, tongue, gullet and internal organs are common. Removal often requires an anaesthetic and a long period of rehabilitation may be required.

These injuries are preventable by following a few simple rules:

  1. Use lead free weights
  2. Use barbless hooks where possible
  3. Choose your position carefully to reduce the risk of snagging on trees, vegetation or other obstructions
  4. Where possible remove any snagged tackle. If this is not possible, report it to the club bailiffs or fishery owner
  5. Dispose of all litter properly, including line and hooks. Line should be burnt or cut into short lengths before disposal
  6. Report any injured wildlife that you see: RSPCA Helpline: 08705 555999

Further information is available from the Environment Agency.