RSPCA help ducks caught on fishing line in River Cleddau

They were rescued in a joint operation by the RSPCA and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

RSPCA animal rescue officer and wildlife officer, Ellie West, was called to rescue the ducks on Saturday, September 28.

They were found in the middle of the river near Quay Street, Haverfordwest.

Ms West said: "When I arrived it was luckily low tide and the two males were easily found in the middle of the river.

"Although I was unable to see what they were entangled in, it did appear they seemed pretty exhausted from trying to get themselves free.

"However, when I arrived they had been able to stand and sit on a rocky area and rest a little."

Despite the low tide, Ms West deemed it unsafe to attempt a solo rescue due to the known dangers of the river at higher water levels.

She contacted the fire service, and crew members from Haverfordwest Fire Station promptly arrived.

She said: "The crew were able to walk out to the ducks in their dry suits and use my nets to contain the mallards and then walk them back to dry land and meet me.

"They were brilliant as usual and we are incredibly thankful for their assistance."

The ducks were found to be badly entangled with fishing line around their legs, so Ms West sought the assistance of her colleague, RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben.

Ms West said: "The line was cut from both ducks to allow us to work on one duck at a time with the other safely confined in a dark quiet box."

Sadly, one of the ducks had a line so tightly embedded around his leg it had cut the circulation off, causing wounds down to the bone.

He also had wounds to the outer edges of his wings where he had been trying to free himself.

As rehabilitation would not have been possible, this duck was put to sleep.

The ducks had fishing line around their legs (Image: RSPCA)

Fortunately, the other duck was stronger and only had the line wrapped lightly around his leg, which hadn't caused any injury.

"He was alert and active with no wounds so he was returned to the river straight away for release where he flew off happily," said Ms West.

"A sad outcome for one duck but a lucky outcome for the other."

The RSPCA said around 40 per cent of all litter-related calls across England and Wales in 2023 were about animals that had specifically become caught in fishing litter.

Ms West added: "It’s simple - when people are out and about, we urge them to hold on to their litter until there is an opportunity to dispose of it safely and responsibly - or recycle where appropriate.

"As we all strive to create a better world for every animal, this could save an animal’s life."

The RSPCA said a majority of anglers are careful when fishing, but a small number are letting the community down by not disposing of their waste properly and leaving animals in danger.

"The majority of anglers do dispose of their litter properly and it is frustrating that those who don’t possibly don’t realise how dangerous it is to animals," added Ms West.

"Discarded line in particular is a terrible hazard for wildlife, particularly as it can be almost invisible.

"We strongly urge those who enjoy fishing to be extra cautious to make sure nothing is left behind.

"Most anglers are very responsible when disposing of their litter, but it only takes one piece of snagged line to be left in a tree or dropped near the water to endanger the life of an animal.

"We ask anglers to follow the Angling Trust Anglers Against Litter campaign and make use of recycling schemes to dispose of their waste tackle."