Volunteers at Animals in Need Weymouth have launched a campaign to protect gulls and raise awareness of the issue.

It comes as the non-profit organisation found a gull caught up in fishing line which sadly resulted in it being put down.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Our volunteers were called out to a seagull with its leg hanging off — heartbreakingly, it had become entangled in discarded fishing line and had to be put to sleep.

“This is becoming far too common, and we are hoping to pull together a campaign to raise awareness and push for better responsibility around fishing line disposal.”

The volunteer group which takes care of animals in the Weymouth and Dorchester area has launched a petition

The group said that wildlife in the Weymouth and Portland area is being ‘seriously harmed’ by discarded fishing line, hooks and tackle.

Local rescue volunteers are regularly called out to seabirds and other animals suffering horrific injuries — legs hanging off, wings trapped, hooks embedded, or line wrapped tightly around their bodies. Many cannot be saved.

The group added: “This is happening on our doorstep, and it is preventable. We, the residents of Weymouth and Portland, call on Dorset Council and local harbour authorities to install dedicated fishing line and hook disposal bins at key fishing spots across Weymouth and Portland, including Weymouth Harbour, Portland Marina, Chesil Beach, Ferrybridge, piers, slipways and other popular angling areas.

“Provide clear signage reminding anglers to take all fishing line and hooks home or use the bins provided and introduce local enforcement measures, including warnings or fines for repeatedly leaving fishing tackle behind.

“Work with local wildlife rescue groups to monitor hotspots and reduce harm to seabirds and marine life.

“Educate young children and adults new to fishing, ask tackle shops to display posters.”

The group said that its volunteers are seeing a rise in wildlife being injured or killed by discarded fishing gear and that birds such as gulls, swans and other coastal wildlife are suffering needlessly.

They added that rubbish left behind also affects tourism, beach users and the beauty of the coastline.

To sign the petition visit:  https://c.org/9qK8hV9C2j