Swan dies from hook in throat

8:25am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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A WAYWARD fishing hook was responsible for the death of another of the Middlewich swans.

A post mortem examination carried out on the long-necked bird that was rushed into Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich last week revealed it had a fishing hook stuck in its throat.

The animal had developed peritonitis as a result of the hook being lodged in its throat for some time.

Bird-lover Dave Bridle, who helped rescue the bird off the canal, is now appealing to fisherman not to leave equipment lying around.

"We don't know if it picked it up while it was grazing or if it picked it up in the water, but I would like to ask the fisherman to be a bit more careful," he said.

It was originally feared that the bird might have lead poisoning after another swan was rushed into the hospital with toxic levels of lead in its system, but no traces of lead were found.

This is the third of the Middlewich swans to die after two were killed after being hit by cars.

Members of the public living by the canal are now keeping a close eye on the birds.

Mr Bridle added: "We have said we will keep a really close eye on them now, because none of them are looking too healthy.

"I don't think that I could stand the canal without the swans on it, so we will just have to keep our fingers crossed and hope there is not going to be anymore killed."