A CULL of swans would be "complete nonsense", according to an animal rescue hospital.

Volunteers from the Yorkshire Swan Rescue Hospital have dismissed claims that the birds should be deliberately killed to protect fish stocks.

Some anglers say ever-increasing numbers of swans are stripping the river banks of vegetation vital to fish.

But Dan Sidley, who co-founded the rescue charity, said: "Anglers are probably the biggest threat to wildlife in this country, so the claim is almost laughable that swans are threatening other wildlife. It is complete nonsense."

In the last six months, the charity - based in Brandsby, near York - has treated nearly 200 swans. Most of the birds were found to be suffering from discarded fishing hooks, line and lead weights. Jim Glasspool, chairman of the Fisheries And Angling Conservation Trust, the umbrella body for angling organisations, wants a cull.

He told a national newspaper: "We are not saying swans should be shot because we want a healthy population.

"But the increase in numbers means we are getting large flocks of juveniles, on stretches of river that used to be patrolled by just one pair."

Most swans are protected from culling by law - and those on the River Thames are, in theory, owned by the Queen - so any action would require a change in legislation.

Anglers have formally complained to the Government that there is now a shortage of fish and have asked for the swans to be culled.

But Mr Sidley said: "Anglers need to be making more of an effort to stop leaving their rubbish behind after a day's fishing. The amount of lines, food packets and containers they leave behind is shocking, and has a much greater effect on wildlife on our rivers than swans ever will.

"Anybody is welcome to come to our hospital unit and see the direct suffering caused to these birds by anglers. Swans are no threat to river ecosystems, and anglers want the birds out of the way to stop them getting in the way of their sport. It is as simple as that."

Mr Sidley urged anyone who finds an injured swan to phone the charity on its 24-hour line on 07763 424892.