Wildlife maimed by discarded tackle

SWANS and other wild animals are being killed by anglers who leave their fishing tackle on riverbanks, according to a wildlife centre. The Secret World animal rescue centre, which serves the Weston area, has dealt with two incidents at Summer Lane pond in Worle involving swans injured by fishing lines and hooks left behind by anglers.In the latest incident, a young swan was taken to the rescue centre in East Huntspill after a fishing hook was caught in its leg.It was treated with antibiotics and after the hook was removed it was returned to its anxious mother.However, another swan, barely a year old, died earlier this month after unsuccessful attempts by staff at the centre to remove weights and fishing line from its throat. Ellie West, animal care manager at the 24-hour centre, said: "It is a big problem for us, especially when there are young animals and birds around."* Pictured: Cygnets with their mother at Summer Lane pond, where discarded fishing tackle is causing death and injury to wildlife.