Swan rescue mission after wing caught in fishing wire

A swan with fishing wire wrapped around its wing has been rescued by animal welfare workers.

The Scottish SPCA were called to the Darnley Dams in Barrhead after concerned members of the public spotted the bird.

An animal rescue officer was able to catch the swan and cut the wire during the rescue on Thursday, May 21.

Rebecca Carr, of the Scottish SPCA, said: “Concerned members of the public had contacted our helpline to report the bird with the wire caught around its wing.

“We had attended the pond but hadn’t been able to contain the bird to provide assistance.

“Thankfully, I managed to catch the swan and cut the wire.

“I checked the bird over and there were no other injuries so I released it back on to the pond.”

Less than a fortnight before the rescue, a swan was found struggling to eat after its beak got stuck in a plastic bottle top in a pond in Barshaw Park, Paisley.

Ms Carr added: “On May 12, my colleague Jan Toraman rescued a swan with a bottle top ring trapped around its beak and tongue which was affecting the bird’s ability to eat. This bird could have died without our help.

“All litter has the potential to be dangerous or lethal to wildlife. These incidents are easily avoidable if people take their rubbish away and dispose of it responsibly.”

Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal should contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.