Large increase in swan injuries (From York Press)

Large increase in swan injuries

7:00pm Wednesday 12th September 2007 in News By Tom Stirling

A WILDLIFE rehabilitation charity has seen a sharp rise in swan casualties in York and North Yorkshire in recent months.

Dedicated volunteers and veterinary surgeons at the Yorkshire Swan Rescue Hospital, based at Brandsby, near York, have so far this year cared for and treated nearly 1,200 injured swans which have been rescued throughout northern England.

They say a large percentage of the birds were found suffering from fishing-related injuries - and the numbers are on the up.

Recurring problems have been found with swans on the River Ouse, in York, at Norton, and on the Selby canal. In one recent case, a swan from the river in York city centre was found suffering with seven fishing hooks in its neck, and it cost the charity £200 in vets bills.

At Malton Lake, a female swan had two fishing hooks in her leg and a further three in her neck, preventing her from eating correctly.

The news comes just a day after The Press revealed how the RSPB had identified North Yorkshire as one of England's worst three "black spots" for persecution of wild birds.

Co-founder of the Yorkshire Swan Rescue Hospital, Dan Sidley, said: "We are horrified at the large number of swans requiring our help "To have a bird injured by so many fishing hooks can not be explained as a simple accident.

"It is gross incompetence and completely unacceptable."

Volunteers say that, in many cases, injuries could have been easily avoided by fishermen disposing of their waste carefully, and lifting their lines from the water as swans are passing by.

The charity is urging fishermen to contact them should their hooks or lines make any contact with a swan.

Fellow co-founder Joe Dziurzynski added: "This is the busiest year so far on record for our volunteers rescuing and treating injured swans, and the situation is clearly becoming worse. People need to realise the suffering they are causing and the strain it places upon our services as a charity."

Swans have also been taken into the charity's base - the largest swan rescue centre in northern England - injured by air gun pellets, uncontrolled dogs, flying into electricity cables, contact with boat engines and fuel spillages in waters.

* The swan rescue hospital's volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, and can be contacted on 07763 424892.