In a recent rescue operation on the Cleddau River, two ducks were found entangled in fishing line. The incident occurred near Quay Street, Haverfordwest, and involved the RSPCA and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
RSPCA officer Ellie West responded to the call on September 28, noting that the ducks appeared exhausted but were able to rest on a rocky area. Due to safety concerns, she called for assistance from the fire service, who promptly arrived in dry suits to help.
The team successfully contained the mallards and discovered that one duck had severe injuries from the fishing line, which had cut off circulation. Unfortunately, rehabilitation was not an option, and this duck was humanely euthanized.
The second duck was luckier; it had only minor entanglement and was released back into the river, flying away happily. This incident underscores the dangers of litter, particularly fishing line, to wildlife.
The RSPCA reported that about 40% of litter-related calls in England and Wales in 2023 involved animals caught in fishing litter. They urge the public to dispose of waste responsibly to protect wildlife.