70-mile trip to save swan who was ‘struggling to breathe’ from discarded fishing hook

An RSPCA animal rescue officer and a veterinary centre in Lancashire worked together to save the life of a swan who was just ‘millimetres’ away from being asphyxiated after a fishing hook became deeply embedded in his neck.

The bird was struggling for breath when he was rescued from a lake at Capesthorne Hall in Macclesfield by RSPCA animal rescue officer (ARO) Sonia Hulme after the charity had made several attempts to catch him.

The hook had pierced the swan’s neck and caused a ring of swelling which had nearly blocked his trachea. 

Because of ongoing precautions due to the UK-wide avian flu outbreak and the nature of his injury, the swan was transported by ARO Sonia to The Veterinary Health Centre Ltd in Lytham St Annes in Lancashire - a journey of nearly 70 miles - where vet Siuna Reid successfully removed the hook and a short section of fishing line.  

It’s thought fishing bailiffs had been trying to catch the swan - who lives on the lake with his mate and two cygnets - for about three weeks before he was finally caught by the RSPCA officer on 13 June.       

Nearly 50 per cent (1,510) of all litter-related calls to the animal welfare charity last year were about animals that had specifically become caught in fishing litter.

ARO Sonia said: “The skin where the hook had pierced the swan’s neck had started to heal over so we think this poor bird had been struggling like this for several weeks.

He sounded really wheezy and was struggling to breath. The ring of swelling you can see on the x-ray was caused by his body trying to expel the hook. If he hadn’t been caught, this would have got worse as it was just milimetres away from blocking his airway.

“I’m so grateful to the team at The Veterinary Health Centre Ltd for admitting him and operating so quickly. Time is of the essence when adult swans have got cygnets, so it was wonderful to be able to reunite him with his family, safe and well, later that evening.    

“Although most anglers are responsible and do clean up after themselves, fishing litter is still a major problem and it can be so damaging to wildlife. Carelessly discarded fishing line, hooks and netting can cause terrible injuries, as this incident illustrates, and water birds are particularly vulnerable.

“We strongly urge those who enjoy fishing to be extra cautious to make sure nothing is left behind. It only takes one piece of snagged line to get caught up in a tree or dropped near the water to cause potential catastrophe for wildlife.” 

Everyone who enjoys fishing is urged to follow the Angling Trust Take 5 campaign and make use of recycling schemes to dispose of their waste tackle safely and responsibly. 

There is also advice about what to do if you find an injured wild animal here: 

the RSPCA’s website

The RSPCA has created this video to help people understand the best thing they can do to help animals in need.