Yesterday the GSPCA were called to an injured juvenile gull that had been caught in fishing line.
GSPCA staff had tried to catch the young gull on a number of occasions and yesterday GSPCA Warden Dave Brook managed to secure the disabled bird.
The bird which was rushed to the GSPCA Animal Shelter had fine fishing netting caught extremely tightly around the birds left leg to such a point it had cut into the skin, become swollen and lame.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager and GSPCA Warden Dave Brook spent nearly 30 minutes removing the netting and treating the bird.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager said "This is so unnecessary, we just don’t know how long poor Tangle the gull would have been suffering for."
"At the GSPCA we have already seen incidents this year of birds dying due to those fishing leaving their waste and although many are very responsible there are still animals and birds being injured and fatalities."
"Despite the rescue, treatment, care we were unable to save Tangle the gull which is very sad."
"Herring gulls are on the red endangered list and take 4 years before they mature."
"Gulls can live an average of 12 years, although there is a record of a 30 year old bird, but it is always sad when we are unable to save any animal or bird, especially a species that is on the decline and have so many other challenges."
"We urge everyone to ensure they clean up after themselves from fishing tackle to any kind of waste, as the GSPCA want to keep Guernsey tidy and the animals safe."
What you can do to help to help the animals of Guernsey
Protecting pets, farm animals and wildlife from harmful rubbish is straightforward – simply dispose of your waste responsibly.
- Recycle and reuse where you can
- Otherwise take your rubbish home and put it in a bin.
Everyday objects can become hazards to animals and birds
- Balloons - Once balloons burst, animals can mistake them for food and can choke. Avoid balloon releases, as the balloons can land anywhere, and cut used balloons into pieces before putting in the bin.
- Containers and cans- Attracted by leftovers, animals will forage inside and get their heads trapped. Larger animals may get their tongues caught or damaged by sharp edges. Animals such as cats, gulls, rats and dogs often rummage in rubbish bins. Clean cans and containers, drop lids inside cans, and cut containers in half or pinch cans shut. Try to recycle where possible.
- Elastic bands - These get caught around necks of small animals and beaks of birds. They can also be swallowed, causing an animal to choke. Whenever possible reuse bands, and cut them open before putting them in a bin.
- Fishing tackle - Line can get caught around legs, wings, necks and beaks, and hooks can pierce skin and muscle or be swallowed causing internal injuries. Every month the GSPCA have to help birds that have been caught and entangled.
- Take unwanted line home and cut it into small pieces before putting it in a bin.
- Wrap hooks in newspaper before putting in a bin.
- Glass - Bottles and jars break easily, leaving sharp pieces that can cause serious injury. Animals can get trapped in glass jars. Clean and then recycle glass at a bottle bank.
- Plastic bags - Animals such as hedgehogs can climb inside and suffocate, or eat them and choke. Tie a knot in all bags before disposing of them or, better still, reuse or recycle. Each bag takes hundreds of years to decompose and are not broken down once eaten so can kill more than one animal.
- Plastic can holders- Animals can get entangled, causing deep sores, wounds and choking. Always cut the loops before putting in a rubbish or recycling bin.
Please help keep Guernsey tidy and our animals safe.
Have you thought of sponsoring an animal pen at the GSPCA? For more details please click here.
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By post cheques payable to 'GSPCA' - GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD
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