One of two Mallard ducks put to sleep following rescue operation

Two ducks entangled in fishing line have been released following a joint rescue operation by the RSPCA and fire service at the Cleddau River.

 

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer and Wildlife Officer Ellie West was called to attend to the two male mallards on Saturday 28 September as they had become entangled in line on the river near Quay Street, Haverfordwest.

 

“When I arrived it was luckily low tide and the two males were easily found in the middle of the river,” said Ellie.

 

“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.”

Although the water was low at this point, it would have not been safe for Ellie to attempt a solo rescue. “I also know from local knowledge about the dangers of this part of the river once water level is higher,” she said.

 

Ellie subsequently reached out to Mid and West Wales Fire and Service and crew members from Haverfordwest Fire Station arrived promptly.

 

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.”

Unfortunately the two ducks were badly entangled with fishing line around their legs so Ellie sought the assistance of her colleague RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben.

“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,” said Ellie.

“Sadly the quieter duck had a line so tightly embedded around his leg it had cut the circulation off and wounds were down to the bone. He also had wounds to the outer edges of its wings where he had been bashing them trying to free itself.”

 

As rehabilitation would not have been possible and to prevent suffering, this duck was put to sleep. Thankfully the other duck was much stronger and only had the line wrapped around his leg lightly 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 Ellie.

 

“When I returned to the river to release the duck (video is available here) the tide was much higher and it was obvious if we had waited any longer to perform the rescue earlier the ducks would have been swept away on the high water a long time ago.

 

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

 

Around 40% of all litter-related calls to the RSPCA across England and Wales in 2023 were about animals that had specifically become caught in fishing litter.

 

Ellie 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 says 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 Ellie. “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.”

 

The RSPCA is currently facing the biggest rehoming crisis in recent memory, leaving rescue centres and branches “full to bursting” with more unwanted animals coming into care than are being adopted.

 

To try and revive adoption rates, the RSPCA’s month-long Adoptober rehoming campaign launched this month (October), celebrating the wonder of rescue pets, and highlighting the many animals the charity has waiting to find their perfect match.

 

Visit the RSPCA’s Find A Pet to see all of the animals currently in the charity’s care who are looking for their paw-fect match, or help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming by donating online or calling 0300 123 8181.


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