Anglers' barbed hooks injure swan

A three-barbed hook was embedded in the swan's beak

The RSPCA has called for anglers to use barbless hooks after a swan was found on Cambridgeshire river with barbed hooks embedded in its face and neck.

RSPCA officers called to the River Great Ouse near Ely on Wednesday found the swan with a three-barbed hook in its neck and another in the beak.

Both hooks were joined by fishing line so the swan was unable to feed.

Kathy Hornig from the charity said anglers should use hooks without barbs and take fishing line away with them.

She said: "If we hadn't been contacted about this swan he would probably have died as he had no chance of eating at all.

"These hooks cause a huge amount of pain and injury to swans and other wildlife."

The Environment Agency also advises against the use of barbed hooks, particularly those with three barbs, which are very difficult to remove.

The RSPCA said the swan, which also had an airgun pellet in its chest, was recovering well and will soon be released.

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