Seal with fishing rope wrapped around neck rescued from beach

The injured animal was found lying on a beach in East Lothian, near John Muir Country Park in Dunbar.

Seal with fishing rope wrapped around neck rescued from beachScottish SPCA

A seal was rescued after becoming tangled up in fishing rope which was wrapped around its neck.

The injured animal was found lying on a beach in East Lothian, near John Muir Country Park in Dunbar, on Saturday.

Following her rescue, the Scottish SPCA issued a fresh warning over discarded fishing ropes.

Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre manager, Steve Gray, said: “Fishing or roping line can cause life-threatening injuries to wild animals.

“Unfortunately it can take a number of days for wildlife to succumb to an injury such as this. 

“If anyone does find a wild animal trapped in any sort of wire or rope, our advice is not to approach them but to call our animal helpline.

“Sometimes it can be hard to spot wire wrapped around flesh as it may be so tight that it’s hard to see. 

“The animals will almost always need immediate attention from our vets.

“We would urge those who use fishing line, rope, netting or any form of wire to please make sure you take this away with you. 

“It can have a detrimental effect on a number of different animals through becoming tangled or by ingesting it.”

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