Injured gull in Newcastle rescued by RSPCA after becoming caught in discarded fishing line
The RSPCA has thanked firefighters and vets who helped rescue and treat a gull which had become tangled in discarded fishing line in Newcastle.
The bird was spotted in difficulty on the mudflats by the Tyne Bridge and was in danger of drowning from the incoming tide.
A member of the public reported the incident to the RSPCA, but Inspector Garry Palmer was unable to retrieve the gull using his reach and rescue pole and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service were contacted to see if they could assist.
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A boat was launched by officers from Blue Watch and the gull was successfully rescued. The gull was tangled up by a wing in line and had also swallowed a large hook.
The bird was taken to Wilson Veterinary Group in Bishop Auckland where it was sedated so the hook and line could be removed by vets. It was re-released back onto the river by the RSPCA officer later that afternoon.
The animal welfare charity says the rescue, which happened on Sunday, January 12, highlights the danger that discarded fishing litter can pose to wildlife.
Inspector Palmer said: "The gull was visibly tired and would undoubtedly have drowned in the incoming tide. Blue Watch were brilliant and went out in their boat and brought the bird back to land with the line still in situ. The team at Wilson Veterinary Group did an unbelievable job in removing the hook and line and I was able to re-release the gull back on the river later that afternoon.
"We’d like to say a huge thank you to the member of the public and to the vets and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service for working with us to ensure a successful outcome.
"We deal with a worrying amount of incidents every year where animals have been terribly impacted by carelessly discarded fishing line, hooks and netting. This gull was lucky to come through unscathed, but for many others their injuries, or the sheer stress and exhaustion from their ordeal proves too much."
The RSPCA has strongly urged those who enjoy fishing to be extra cautious to make sure they leave nothing behind. The charity said: "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.