RSPCA officers and Swan Watch team rescue goose with painful hook caught in beak at Smethwick lake
The RSPCA has urged anglers to be careful with fishing equipment after a goose with an old hook in its mouth and neck was rescued.
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A passerby spotted the struggling Canada goose on the lake at West Smethwick Park, Smethwick, and contacted the RSPCA for help.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Charlotte Holder said: “This poor bird was in huge danger.
“An old fish hook which was embedded in her neck had then become caught up in her beak, pulling her head downwards towards her neck.
"This was preventing her from feeding or moving properly, so it was vital she was rescued as soon as possible.”
Ms Holder said she worked with her animal welfare colleagues to come to the swan’s aid.
She said: “Working with Inspector Boris Lasserre, who is specially trained in water rescues, and Ian Carrol from Swan Watch, we were able to encourage the bird to move onto dry land where we managed to restrain her for examination.
“We could then remove the hook and line from her neck and beak.
"Thankfully, her wounds were superficial, so we released her back into the wild where she belongs.”
The RSPCA’s animal rescuers deal with hundreds of incidents every year where animals have been impacted by litter, including fishing items.
Following the incident on April 14, the charity is reminding the public what they can do to help protect wild animals from falling victim to fishing litter.
Ms Holder said: “Carelessly discarded fishing line, hooks and netting can have a terrible toll on animals, and water birds like the goose at this lake are particularly vulnerable.
"The majority of anglers are responsible and do dispose of these items properly, but it’s frustrating that those who don’t may not realise the danger they pose.”
A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "The RSPCA strongly urges 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 endanger the life of an animal.
"The charity encourages everyone who enjoys fishing to follow the Angling Trust Take 5 campaign and make use of recycling schemes to dispose of their waste tackle safely and responsibly."
