Cygnet killed by discarded fishing tackle at pond
Kate WakefieldA cygnet had to be put down after eating discarded fishing tackle at a pond where an angling ban is in place.
Despite efforts from volunteers and a vet, the bird had to be euthanised after it was found with a yellow tag hanging from its mouth at Hammond's Pond in Carlisle.
Wildlife rescue volunteer Kate Wakefield, who was called to the scene on Sunday, said it was a "tragic outcome", adding: "It made me cry."
Cumberland Council said the cygnet's death highlighted "one of the key reasons" for fishing not being allowed at the pond.
Ms Wakefield said the young bird was sedated and an x-ray showed the barb had gone right down the oesophagus with no way to remove it without causing "extensive damage".
"You've got to be really careful in case there's something at the end that will get damaged if you pull anything," she said.
The vet felt the only "humane" outcome would be to put the cygnet down while it was sedated, Ms Wakefield added.
'Unsuitable place for fishing'
She said the latest death was not an isolated incident.
Several swans and cygnets died after ingesting discarded tackle in 2023 and volunteers are called there every couple of weeks to help wildlife, she said.
Cumberland Council said it was "dedicated to protecting the wildlife" in all of its green spaces.
A spokesman said: "We're currently working closely with onsite youth workers to help engage and educate young people about why Hammond's Pond isn't a suitable place for fishing.
"In the meantime, we carry out regular maintenance of the pond, including clearing litter and removing discarded fishing lines, to minimise the risk to wildlife."