“How many more cygnets have to suffer due to the selfishness of people leaving tackle behind?”
The baby swan sadly died (Image: Supplied)
A second cygnet has died after becoming tangled in fishing line in a popular east end pond.
Members of the public noticed that the young swan had become snared by the line at Alexandra Park on Wednesday, July 22. Local Kirsty Murdoch, who cares for the park’s birds, shared that the cygnet had died after becoming entangled in the line and drowning.
It comes after members of the public alerted the Scottish SPCA on Tuesday, June 23, that a youngster and its parent had been snared by the line in the same pond. The charity dispatched an Animal Rescue Officer, but tragically, the cygnet couldn’t be saved. The adult was freed by a member of the public, who returned it to the water before the SSPCA arrived.
It is the second incident at the park in recent weeks
Taking to social media, Kirsty said: “Another cygnet tragically killed at Alexandra Park by discarded fishing line or possibly deliberately placed “set lines” which are illegal in Scotland. Fishing is not permitted in Glasgow parks other than a designated area at Hogganfield.
“How many more cygnets have to suffer due to selfishness of people leaving tackle behind? And they do indeed suffer. They feel immense pain from line and hooks and usually die by drowning.
“Grateful thanks to the individuals who went in the water to retrieve the dead cygnet and remove the line so that it could not harm another bird. This should not be happening. If you see anyone fishing please report to park staff or countryside rangers. I understand that the police also responded last week to an incident, but that might not always be possible.”
Kirsty was also forced to save another cygnet in the pond on July 8 after a fishing line got caught in its mouth and down its throat. Fortunately, after a trip to the vet, it was saved and returned to its parent.
A spokesperson for the SSPCA told Glasgow Live: “We would urge those who are fishing to please ensure you are taking the line and any hooks away with you and not leaving any behind as it can have a detrimental impact on wildlife.
“If you do come across sick or injured wildlife, please visit our Contact Us page or alternatively, you can get in touch with our Helpline between 9am and 5pm on 03000 999 999.”