Anglers cause the death of swan and cygnet
CARELESS anglers have caused the senseless death of a 'stunning' swan and her cygnet after fishing gear was left discarded along a Polesworth canal.
In what has been described as an 'horrific example of cruelty', the injured birds were found on the Coventry Canal on July 4.
They were bound together by two fishing hooks, a fishing float and fishing wire.
One hook was embedded in the swan with the other hook in the cygnet.
The cygnet's wing was also twisted and broken, with bone protruding.
"The poor young bird, which would have been in a great deal of pain, had to be euthanased to prevent further suffering," explained a spokesperson for the RSPCA.
"The subdued female swan had a badly infected leg and was taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich for treatment. But sadly she had to be put to sleep to end her suffering on veterinary advice as a result of her injured leg."
* Tamworth Herald, July 16, 2009, edition.
2 Comments
by Neil, Cambridge
Thursday, August 06 2009, 10:36AM
“I am an angler myself, as well as living in a boat on the River Cam. The swans are my neighbours and there is no finer sight than witnessing proud parents with a family of cygnets.
Although I have some sympathy with JG's comments I have also seen the flip-side of the argument. I have met many Eastern Europeans fishing on the Cam who do not take part in the type of activities he/she describes, are more than polite and are there purely there to enjoy a (relatively) cheap day out.
I cannot believe that if somebody, regardless of their nationality, wished to hook ducks, and of course the thought of that is abhorrent, they would be using a float. I've also seen many so-called anglers discard their equipment recklessly if a tangle becomes to much for them. I wouldn't like to say wether this is down to inexperience, age or frankly just being devoid of all common sense, intelligence and sense of responsibility.”
by J.G., Tamworth
Monday, July 20 2009, 9:53AM
“Having read your story and saw the photo's published. I feel it is unfair to label anglers as "Careless" without knowing the true circumstances surrounding the horrific injuries inflicted on the swans.
I'm a regular walker and cyclist along the towpath of the Coventry Canal and meet/greet many anglers who fish there. All are very polite and I have no problem with them moving there fishing implements to allow my free passage.
What is alarming though, is on a recent visit between Hodge Lane and the priory, is coming across several eastern europeans looking suspicious as I road past with fishing tackle bearing clumps of bread on hooks and aiming them at a family of ducks.
Knowing that the police are powerless to do anything unless you are a motorist and for fear of my own safety (out numbered by 5 to 1) I couldn't do anything to prevent what looked pretty obvious to what they were doing.
I heard rumours that this is common practice in Eastern Europe but had no reason to believe they would try it locally until what appeared on that Monday afternoon.
I hope you can understand that I wish to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. But I hope you can rescind any derogatory comments you have made about honest anglers who abide by the rules.
Thanks
JG”