A troubled swan with fishing line caught around its legs and back has been rescued from Pen y Fan pond, near Crumlin.

The swan was rescued by RSPCA Cymru officers, who are still responding to animal welfare concerns despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The RSPCA said the incident “acts as another reminder as to the dangers fishing litter pose to Wales’ animals.”

Animal collection officer Stephanie Davidson, who saw to the swan, said: “Fortunately, the swan wasn’t injured – but was at serious risk of entanglement, had a kind-hearted member of the public not spotted the bird and got in touch.

“We can’t know when this fishing litter was discarded – but with the Covid-19 outbreak restricting recreational activities, it could have been some while ago. This shows how things like dropped wire can remain a risk to animals for a very long time.

“Fortunately, the majority of anglers are very responsible and dispose of their waste properly. Sadly, it is so frustrating that some don’t do this – and place animals like this swan in serious danger.

Ms Davidson added: “After safely removing and disposing of the wire, the swan was able to be returned straight to the pond – but we know not all birds caught in such situations are as lucky.

“It was great to be able to secure a happy ending for the bird, with RSPCA officers still on the frontline dealing with emergency situations amid the coronavirus outbreak.

“However, as this crisis intensifies, our animal rescue teams are being stretched to their limit – so we’re asking the public to donate what they can to help keep us on the road.”

The RSPCA said the swan’s struggles prove that litter can remain a risk to animals for a “very long period of time”, with hobby fishing banned during the lockdown.

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